Nyman, Michael

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Nyman, Michael (1944– ) English composer. In his early career, influenced by John Cage, he explored experimental music. His works include operas, notably The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat (1986), but he is best known for his film scores. These include The Draughtsman's Contract (1982), Prospero's Books (1991) and The Piano (1993). His accessible musical style is characterized by the repetition and variation of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic patterns.

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