Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

November 15, 1934 in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Peter Dickinson was a British composer, pianist, and writer who was born on December 15, 1934, in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England. He was the son of the famous composer and organist, Harold Dickinson, and the brother of the renowned mezzo-soprano, Meriel Dickinson. Peter Dickinson's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he began composing music when he was just six years old. Dickinson received his early education at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he studied composition with Richard Hall and piano with Iso Elinson. He later went on to study at Cambridge University, where he earned a degree in English literature. During his time at Cambridge, Dickinson continued to pursue his passion for music and composed several works, including his first string quartet. After completing his studies, Dickinson embarked on a successful career as a composer, pianist, and writer. He composed music in a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, vocal music, and music for the theatre. His music was characterized by its eclectic style, which drew on a wide range of influences, including jazz, folk music, and popular music. One of Dickinson's most significant works is his opera, "The Yellow Cake Revue," which was first performed in 1967. The opera is a satirical work that critiques the nuclear arms race and the Cold War. It features a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and rock, and includes spoken dialogue and film projections. Another notable work by Dickinson is his "Piano Concerto No. 2," which was composed in 1979. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases Dickinson's skill as a pianist and composer. It features a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and classical music, and includes a cadenza that allows the pianist to improvise. In addition to his work as a composer, Dickinson was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books on music, including "The Music of Lennox Berkeley," "The Music of Aaron Copland," and "The Music of Michael Tippett." He also wrote a memoir, "Words and Music," which chronicles his life as a composer and pianist. Throughout his career, Dickinson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2002 for his services to music. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music. Peter Dickinson passed away on December 16, 2015, at the age of 81. He left behind a rich legacy of music and writing that continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world.

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