Filmed in England and Greece, this music-based portrait of John Tavener presents a windwow into the world of a truly great and original composer. John Tavener's music archieved worldwide recognition when his Song for Athene was performed at the funeral of Diana, princess of Wales. This followed on from success of his stunning cello concerto The Protecting Veil, for which he received the 1992 Gramophone Award. Melvyn Bragg interviews Tavener, asking him about his early influences, his life in 1960s 'swinging ' London, his religious inspiration and his current idyllic lifestyle at hokme with his family in Greece. Disenchanted with western philosophy, Tavener moved from the Presbyterian church ant the Church of England ultimately to Russian Orthodoxy in 1977, and now describes his composing as music which comes trough him, not for him. For Tavener, music is a prayer.