Lindsay Cooper
Great BritainBiography of Lindsay Cooper
Early Life and EducationLindsay Cooper was born on March 3, 1951 in Hornsey, London. At the age of 11, she began taking piano lessons, but a few years later switched to playing the bassoon. From 1965 to 1968, she studied classical music and bassoon performance at Dartington College of Arts and the Royal College of Music.
Early Career
Cooper played in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and became a member of the Royal Academy of Music in London. By the late 1960s, she spent a year in New York City and began participating in musical projects outside of classical music.
Avant-Garde and Rock Music
When Cooper returned to the United Kingdom in 1971, she left classical music behind and became part of the avant-garde movement known as the Canterbury scene. She joined the progressive rock group 'Comus' and added oboe and flute to their sound. Cooper also began collaborating with other musicians, including percussionist and composer Chris Cutler and filmmaker Sally Potter. She was one of the founders of the 'Feminist Improvising Group'. Cooper worked on film and television soundtracks as well as her own solo albums.
Henry Cow
Cooper's career took a significant turn when she joined the avant-garde rock group 'Henry Cow' in 1973. The band appreciated her classical music background and constantly sought new directions for their music. Cooper played bassoon, as well as soprano saxophone and piano, during her time with the group. She contributed her composition skills to the band, writing several pieces for their repertoire. 'Henry Cow' disbanded in 1978, but Cooper continued to collaborate with them until the end.
Later Career and Legacy
Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the late 1970s, Cooper kept her condition hidden from the public until the late 1990s when it began to affect her performances. Nevertheless, she remained a highly respected and influential figure in the music world. Cooper's compositions are regularly performed and taught in various countries. Her innovative bassoon playing and contributions to the avant-garde and rock music scenes continue to inspire musicians around the world.
