Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

April 18, 1924 in Glasgow, Scotland

Death

:

December 27, 1997

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Buxton Orr was a Scottish composer who was born on March 18, 1924, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Orr, was a well-known conductor and composer, and his mother, Margaret Orr, was a pianist and singer. Buxton Orr showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Orr attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, where he studied composition with William Gillies Whittaker. He also studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was a pupil of Gordon Jacob. Orr was a talented composer and won several awards during his studies, including the Cobbett Prize for Composition in 1947. After completing his studies, Orr worked as a freelance composer and arranger. He wrote music for films, television, and radio, as well as concert works. Orr's music was influenced by a variety of styles, including jazz, folk music, and classical music. He was known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the harmonica and the accordion, in his compositions. One of Orr's most famous works is his Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra, which was written in 1952. The concerto was commissioned by the BBC and was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with Larry Adler as the soloist. The concerto was well-received and helped to establish Orr's reputation as a composer. Orr also wrote several operas, including The Phoenix and the Turtle, which was based on the poem by William Shakespeare. The opera was premiered in 1961 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Orr's other operas include Full Circle, The Scarecrow, and The Witch. In addition to his work as a composer, Orr was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the Royal College of Music, and the University of Edinburgh. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire his students. Orr continued to compose music throughout his life and wrote over 200 works in total. He died on April 27, 1997, in Edinburgh, Scotland, at the age of 73. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world. In conclusion, Buxton Orr was a talented Scottish composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His use of unconventional instruments and his innovative teaching methods set him apart from other composers of his time. His Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra and his operas are among his most famous works and continue to be performed today. Orr's legacy as a composer and educator will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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