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Featured Biographies of British Composers Entry

Birtwistle, Sir Harrison

Birtwistle, Sir Harrison (1934-...), an English composer, became a leader in avant-garde (experimental and unconventional) music in the United Kingdom. He is probably best known for his theater pieces. He also composed orchestral pieces, chamber works, brass band compositions, and instrumental and vocal works. Birtwistle's music has been described as lyrical and strongly poetic, distinguished by a characteristic use of repeated thematic fragments as a basis for composition. More »

THE BRITISH COMPOSERS LIBRARY

Arne, Thomas

Arne, Thomas (1710-1778), was the most important English composer of his time. His many operas... More >>

Arnold, Malcolm

Arnold, Malcolm (1921-2006), a British composer, became known for his skill in orchestral... More >>

Bax, Sir Arnold

Bax, Sir Arnold (1883-1953), a British composer, wrote music in most forms except opera. He... More >>

Berkeley, Sir Lennox

Berkeley, Sir Lennox (1903-1989), was a British composer. His works include chamber music, works... More >>

Birtwistle, Sir Harrison

Birtwistle, Sir Harrison (1934-...), an English composer, became a leader in avant-garde... More >>

Bliss, Sir Arthur

Bliss, Sir Arthur (1891-1975), was a British composer. Bliss established an international... More >>

Blow, John

Blow, John (1649?-1708), was an outstanding English composer of church music. He wrote more than... More >>

Boyce, William

Boyce, William (1710-1779), was an English composer and organist. He is chiefly remembered for... More >>

Brian, Havergal

Brian, Havergal (1876-1972), was a prolific British composer. His Gothic Symphony is written for... More >>

Bridge, Frank

Bridge, Frank (1879-1941), was a gifted British composer of chamber and orchestral music and... More >>

Britten, Benjamin

Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976), also called Lord Britten, was a British composer famous for his... More >>

Byrd, William

Byrd, burd, William (1543-1623), was an English composer known for his religious music. Byrd... More >>

Campion, Thomas

Campion, Thomas (1567-1620), was an English composer, poet, and doctor. He is most celebrated for... More >>

Clarke, Jeremiah

Clarke, Jeremiah (1669?-1707), was a British composer and organist. He is remembered for his... More >>

Coates, Eric

Coates, Eric (1886-1957), was an English composer, conductor, and viola player. He is best known... More >>


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