Alwyn, William
Alwyn, William
Alwyn, William, English composer and teacher; b. Northampton, Nov. 7, 1905; d. Southwold, Sept. 11, 1985. He studied with McEwen at the Royal Academy of Music in London (1920–23), where he subsequently taught (1926–56), although he had failed to graduate. He was also active as a poet, translator, and painter. In 1978 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Although Alwyn wrote a significant number of concert and stage works, he was particularly facile when writing for films.
Works
DRAMATIC Opera: Juan, or The Libertine (1965–71); Miss Julie (1970–73; BBC, July 16, 1977). Film: Over 60 film scores. ORCH.: 5 syms. (1949, 1953, 1956, 1959, 1973); 3 concerti grossi (1942, 1950, 1964); Oboe Concerto (1951); The Magic Island (1952); Lyra Angelica, concerto for Harp and Strings (1954); Autumn Legend for English Horn and Strings (1955); 6 Elizabeth Dances (1957); Derby Day (1960); 2 sinfoniettas (1970, 1976). chamber : 2 string quartets (1955, 1976); String Trio (1962); Clarinet Sonata (1963); Naiades, sonata for Flute and Harp (1971); piano pieces. VOCAL: Song cycles.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire