Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

September 15, 1917 in London, England

Death

:

April 10, 2009 in Kent, England

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Richard Arnell was a British composer who was born on September 15, 1917, in Hampstead, London. He was the son of a wealthy businessman and a talented pianist. Arnell showed an early interest in music and began composing at the age of 12. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was taught by Ralph Vaughan Williams and William Alwyn. Arnell's early works were influenced by the music of Stravinsky and Bartok, and he was known for his use of complex rhythms and harmonies. His first major work was the Piano Concerto No. 1, which was premiered in 1941. The concerto was well-received and established Arnell as a promising young composer. During World War II, Arnell served in the Royal Air Force and was stationed in India. While there, he wrote several works, including the Symphony No. 1 and the ballet score Punch and the Child. After the war, Arnell returned to England and continued to compose. He wrote a number of works for the stage, including the operas The Duenna and The Aspern Papers. Arnell's music was often described as "modernist," and he was associated with the "New Music" movement in Britain. His works were characterized by their use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. However, Arnell was also capable of writing more traditional music, as demonstrated by his Symphony No. 4, which was written in a more tonal style. One of Arnell's most famous works is the Symphony No. 3, which was premiered in 1953. The symphony is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Arnell's skill as a composer. It is often considered one of the finest British symphonies of the 20th century. Arnell was also a prolific composer of film music. He wrote scores for a number of films, including The Sound Barrier, The Belles of St. Trinian's, and The Bells Go Down. His film music was often praised for its ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of the films. In addition to his work as a composer, Arnell was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, and his students included the composer John Tavener. Arnell continued to compose throughout his life, and his later works were often more introspective and reflective. He died on September 9, 2009, at the age of 91. Overall, Richard Arnell was a talented and innovative composer who made significant contributions to British music. His works were characterized by their modernist style and use of complex rhythms and harmonies. His Symphony No. 3 remains one of the most important British symphonies of the 20th century, and his film music is still enjoyed by audiences today. Arnell's legacy as a composer and teacher continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

More....