[Deathwatch] Sydney Carter, composer, 88

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

'Lord of the Dance' Composer Sydney Carter Dies
Sat Mar 13

LONDON (Reuters) - British composer Sydney Carter, author of the
popular song "Lord of the Dance," died in London on Saturday aged 88,
according to a spokesman for his family.

Carter, a Christian poet and folk singer, adapted a melody from a
Shaker hymn when he wrote the song in 1963.

A church and school choir favorite, the song has become a modern
classic, rerecorded many times as well as lending its name to American
dancer Michael Flatley's hit musical show.

Writing about the song in 1974, Carter said: "I see Christ as the
incarnation of the piper who is calling us. He dances that shape and
pattern which is at the heart of our reality."