Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 16, 1920 in West Chobham, Surrey, England

Death

:

December 7, 1998 in Bennington, VT

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Film

 

John Addison was a British composer who was born on March 16, 1920, in West Chobham, Surrey, England. He was the son of a London solicitor and a talented pianist. Addison's mother recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the violin and the clarinet. Addison attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Gordon Jacob and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. He also studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Nadia Boulanger, who was known for her teaching of many famous composers, including Aaron Copland and Philip Glass. After completing his studies, Addison began his career as a composer, writing music for films, television, and the concert hall. He quickly gained a reputation as a versatile and talented composer, and his music was in high demand. One of Addison's early successes was his score for the 1952 film "The Red Beret," which was later released in the United States as "Paratrooper." The film was a World War II drama about a British paratrooper who is sent on a mission behind enemy lines. Addison's score was praised for its dramatic and emotional impact, and it helped to establish him as a composer of film music. Addison went on to write music for many other films, including "Tom Jones" (1963), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and "Sleuth" (1972), which was nominated for four Academy Awards. He also wrote music for television, including the popular series "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Avengers." In addition to his work in film and television, Addison was also a prolific composer of concert music. He wrote several symphonies, concertos, and chamber works, as well as music for the stage and ballet. His music was often characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and colorful orchestration. One of Addison's most famous concert works is his "Concerto for Trumpet and Strings," which was written in 1972 for the trumpeter Maurice Murphy. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the trumpet, with fast and intricate passages that require great skill and technique. The work has become a staple of the trumpet repertoire and is often performed by soloists around the world. Another notable work by Addison is his ballet "Carte Blanche," which was commissioned by the Royal Ballet in 1966. The ballet tells the story of a young man who is given a blank check and must decide how to use it. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and colorful orchestration, and it has been praised for its energy and vitality. Throughout his career, Addison received many honors and awards for his music. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1982 and was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1992. He also received several honorary doctorates from universities in the United Kingdom and the United States. Addison continued to compose music until his death on December 7, 1998, in Bennington, Vermont, United States. He was 78 years old. His music continues to be performed and recorded by orchestras and soloists around the world, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile composers of his generation.

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