David Fanshawe (born 1942 in Paignton, England - 5 July 2010) was an Englis… Read Full Bio ↴David Fanshawe (born 1942 in Paignton, England - 5 July 2010) was an English composer and ethnomusicologist. His work is situated at the crossroads of traditional and modern music [disambiguation needed]. His best-known composition is the 1972 choral work African Sanctus.
Educated at St George's School, Windsor Castle and Stowe School, he started his career as a musician and producer for documentary films. He studied composition under John Lambert at the Royal College of Music. He became widely known with composition of choral works. Besides vocal pieces, he also composed the score for more than 50 films and TV productions.
During a ten-year odyssey across the islands of the Pacific Ocean begun in 1978, he collected several thousand hours of indigenous music, and documented the music and oral traditions of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia in journals and photographs.
He lived in Wiltshire in England, and died on 5 July 2010 from a stroke.
Educated at St George's School, Windsor Castle and Stowe School, he started his career as a musician and producer for documentary films. He studied composition under John Lambert at the Royal College of Music. He became widely known with composition of choral works. Besides vocal pieces, he also composed the score for more than 50 films and TV productions.
During a ten-year odyssey across the islands of the Pacific Ocean begun in 1978, he collected several thousand hours of indigenous music, and documented the music and oral traditions of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia in journals and photographs.
He lived in Wiltshire in England, and died on 5 July 2010 from a stroke.
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African Sanctus
David Fanshawe Lyrics
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The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
@ralphbowersjr.4316
Performed This composition by David in 1982 with my university choir. Beautiful piece.
@atomik4568
I bought this CD many years ago and it remains one of my favourite pieces. Thanks!
@niandekock7524
What an amazing work! I had the honour of meeting David Fanshawe.
@beldengi
I was vaguely fond of the LP when I first heard the Sanctus on an old turntable. Last night I played it on my new Rega TT and the sound quality of the recording was astonishing. Easily the most impressive in my collection.
@brickbizarre
Wow, the original. Back in my college days at UNLV.....picked him up at the airport, took him to his hotel (the old Stardust - gone by implosion), interviewed him, then wrote the article for the Rebel Yell newspaper. And if that wasn't enough, played drums and sang bass with the UNLV Choir at a "world premiere performance" (which I now believe there to have been several) in Ham Hall. Mr. Fanshawe operated the analog tape players and only he and the conductor used headphones. What an honor.
@Sunflowers159
I wish the choir I was in would do African Sanctus. I love it. I was sorry to hear of David Fanshawe's death. He will be sorely missed.
@deanb6489
This was INSANE to perform in choir back in 1999 in Minnesota. O_o We all looked at our director like he was crazy but after performing Pastlife Melodies we were used to challenging performances.
@dariowestern
I was introduced to this album by my music teacher in high school back in 1987 when studying world music. Fantastic - love the fusion of tribal music and gospel and modern rock. Fanshawe was a true visionary and way ahead of his time. RIP, David! 🙏
@CesarioSimoes
Ouvi isto pela primeira vez em Sampa, no apto de Werneck, psicólogo amigo! Impactante! Chocante! Marcante! Redescobrí!!!
@cheryljean6251
Oh my gosh! when my mom was a teacher she would show us these films during summer vacation, so many good memories, and beautiful music. Thank you so much!