Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 26, 1916 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Genre

:

Film

 

Harry Rabinowitz was a British composer, conductor, and arranger who was born on March 26, 1916, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the son of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family who had settled in South Africa. Rabinowitz showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. He later studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he earned a degree in music. After completing his studies, Rabinowitz began his career as a violinist in the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. He later moved to London in 1946, where he worked as a freelance musician and conductor. He quickly established himself as a versatile musician, working in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and film music. Rabinowitz's early career in London was marked by his work as a conductor and arranger for the BBC. He conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and he arranged music for a variety of programs, including the popular radio show "In Town Tonight." He also worked as a conductor and arranger for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work in classical music, Rabinowitz was also a prolific composer of film and television music. He composed music for a number of British films, including "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961) and "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977). He also composed music for a number of television programs, including the popular British series "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown." Rabinowitz's music was characterized by its versatility and its ability to blend different genres and styles. He was equally comfortable composing classical music, jazz, and film music, and he often incorporated elements of each into his compositions. His music was also marked by its emotional depth and its ability to convey a wide range of moods and feelings. One of Rabinowitz's most notable works was his score for the film "The Day the Earth Caught Fire." The film, which was directed by Val Guest, tells the story of a group of journalists who discover that nuclear testing has caused the Earth to shift off its axis. Rabinowitz's score for the film was praised for its ability to capture the tension and drama of the story, and it remains one of his most popular works. Another notable work by Rabinowitz was his score for the television series "Upstairs, Downstairs." The series, which aired from 1971 to 1975, was a popular drama set in a wealthy London household in the early 20th century. Rabinowitz's score for the series was praised for its ability to capture the elegance and sophistication of the era, and it remains one of his most beloved works. Throughout his career, Rabinowitz remained an active and influential figure in the British music scene. He continued to work as a conductor, arranger, and composer well into his 80s, and he remained a beloved figure among his colleagues and fans. He passed away on June 22, 2016, at the age of 100, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and a lasting impact on the world of classical and film music.

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