Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

July 16, 1941 in Hambledon, Hants

Death

:

September 21, 2010

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Geoffrey Burgon was a British composer known for his contributions to classical music, film scores, and television soundtracks. He was born on July 15, 1941, in Hampshire, England, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Burgon began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and the guitar. Burgon attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he studied composition with Peter Racine Fricker. He also studied with Hans Keller, a prominent musicologist and critic. Burgon's early works were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s, but he later developed a more tonal and accessible style. Burgon's breakthrough came in 1971 when he composed the music for the BBC television series "The Forsyte Saga." The theme music, which featured a solo cello, became one of the most recognizable pieces of television music in Britain. Burgon went on to compose music for several other television series, including "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "Brideshead Revisited," and "The Chronicles of Narnia." In addition to his work in television, Burgon composed music for several films, including "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and "The Dogs of War." He also wrote several works for the concert hall, including a Requiem, a Concerto for Flute and Strings, and a Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. One of Burgon's most famous works is his "Nunc Dimittis," which was written for the BBC television series "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy." The piece, which features a solo treble voice and a choir, has been performed by numerous choirs around the world and has become a staple of the choral repertoire. Burgon was also known for his collaborations with the British playwright and director Peter Hall. He composed music for several of Hall's productions, including "The Tempest" and "The Oresteia." Burgon's music for "The Tempest" was particularly well-received and was later released as a standalone album. Burgon continued to compose music throughout his life, and his later works included a Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and a Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra. He also wrote several works for the organ, including a set of variations on the hymn tune "Abide with Me." Burgon died on September 21, 2010, at the age of 69. He was remembered as a versatile and talented composer who made significant contributions to the worlds of classical music, film, and television. His music continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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