Bennett, Richard Rodney (1936-2012), was one of England’s most versatile composers. His music shows skill in experimental modern styles, jazz rhythms, and more conventional techniques. He has been praised for his operas—The Ledge (1961), The Mines of Sulphur (1965), All the King’s Men (1969), and Victory (1970)—and his choral work Spells (1975). His instrumental works include three symphonies and more than 15 concertos, such as a piano concerto (1967) and Actaeon (1977) for horn and orchestra. He wrote scores for more than 35 films, including Billy Liar (1963), Far from the Madding Crowd (1967), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), and Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994).
Bennett was born on March 29, 1936, in Broadstairs, in Kent, England. He studied music in London and Paris. He was knighted in 1999 and became known as Sir Richard Bennett. Bennett died on Dec. 24, 2012.
