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Gerard Cousins was a British composer and pianist who was born on October 22, 1947, in London, England. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional pianist, and his mother was a singer. Cousins began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Cousins attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition and piano performance. He was a gifted student and won several awards for his compositions. After graduating, Cousins began his career as a composer and pianist, performing in concerts and composing music for various ensembles. Cousins' music was heavily influenced by the classical composers of the past, particularly Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. He was also influenced by the music of the Romantic era, particularly the works of Chopin and Schumann. Cousins' music was known for its intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and emotional depth. One of Cousins' early works was his Piano Sonata No. 1, which he composed in 1972. The sonata was well-received by critics and established Cousins as a promising young composer. The piece was characterized by its virtuosic piano writing and its use of complex harmonies and rhythms. In 1975, Cousins composed his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra. The symphony was a major success and established Cousins as a major figure in the classical music world. The piece was characterized by its lush orchestration and its use of traditional classical forms. Cousins continued to compose throughout the 1980s and 1990s, producing a wide range of works for various ensembles. One of his most notable works from this period was his String Quartet No. 2, which he composed in 1987. The quartet was characterized by its intricate counterpoint and its use of unconventional harmonies. In 1999, Cousins composed his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The concerto was a major success and showcased Cousins' virtuosic piano writing and his ability to write for large orchestras. Cousins' final major work was his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 2005. The symphony was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and was well-received by critics. The piece was characterized by its use of unconventional harmonies and its emotional depth. Throughout his career, Cousins was known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to classical music. He was a prolific composer who produced a wide range of works for various ensembles. His music was characterized by its complexity and emotional depth, and he was widely regarded as one of the most important composers of his generation. Cousins died on June 12, 2008, at the age of 60. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by classical music enthusiasts around the world.

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