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Michael NymanEnglish composer, music critic, actor, producer, screenwriter and director
Date of Birth: 23.03.1944
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of Michael Nyman
- Music Criticism and Minimalism
- Establishment of the Michael Nyman Band
- Works and Collaborations
- Later Career and Recognition
- Conclusion
Biography of Michael Nyman
Early Life and EducationMichael Nyman is an English composer, music critic, actor, producer, screenwriter, and director. He was born in 1944 in London, England. From 1961 to 1967, Nyman studied for a Bachelor's degree at the Royal Academy of Music, where he focused on the history of music and learned to play the piano and harpsichord under the guidance of Alan Bush. He also studied folklore in Romania and musicology at the Royal College in London, where he was taught by Thurston Dart. During this time, he wrote the libretto for Harrison Birtwistle's "Down By the Greenwood Side."
Music Criticism and Minimalism
From 1967 to 1979, Nyman worked as a music critic for magazines such as "The Listener," "New Statesman," and "The Spectator." It was during this period that he introduced the term "minimalism" in relation to music. He also published the book "Experimental Music - Cage & Beyond," which is now considered essential for the study of contemporary music.
Establishment of the Michael Nyman Band
In the late 1970s, Nyman formed his own orchestra, initially called the "Campiello Band," with "In Re Don Giovanni" as the cornerstone of their repertoire. The band later became known as "The Michael Nyman Band." In 1981, their first album, "Decay Music," was released, with Brian Eno as the producer. Nyman also began collaborating with film director Peter Greenaway during this time.
Works and Collaborations
Nyman's career continued to flourish in the 1980s and 1990s with numerous notable works and collaborations. He composed the soundtracks for Greenaway's films "The Draughtsman's Contract," "A Zed and Two Naughts," and "Drowning by Numbers." He also wrote his first opera, "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," based on the book by renowned American neurologist Oliver Sacks. Nyman's soundtrack for Jane Campion's film "The Piano" brought him international recognition and an Academy Award, establishing him as one of the best-selling living British classical composers.
Later Career and Recognition
In the following years, Nyman continued to compose film soundtracks, including those for "Carrington," "Gattaca," and "The End of the Affair." He also worked on various concert pieces, such as "Where The Bee Dances," a concerto for soprano saxophone and chamber orchestra, and "MGV" (Musique a Grande Vitesse), composed for the inauguration of the Paris-Lille high-speed rail line.
Throughout his career, Nyman received numerous accolades, including nominations for awards such as the Golden Globe and the Mercury Music Prize. His music has gained international recognition and has been performed by renowned musicians and orchestras worldwide.
Conclusion
Michael Nyman's multifaceted career as a composer, musician, critic, actor, producer, screenwriter, and director spans several decades. His contributions to music, particularly in the field of minimalism, have earned him a prominent place in contemporary classical music.
