Hoddinott, Alun (1929-2008), was a Welsh composer whose compositions are Romantic in style and mostly modern in idiom. For example, Hoddinott composed several of his works using the serialist technique, which employs a 12-tone scale. Some works reflect Hoddinott’s Welsh background, notably two sets of Welsh Dances (1958 and 1969). Hoddinott’s operas include The Beach of Falesa (1974) and The Trumpet Major (1981). He also wrote many orchestral works, choral and solo vocal pieces, chamber works, and solo instrumental compositions.
Hoddinott was born on Aug. 11, 1929, in Bargoed in south Wales and graduated from University College in Cardiff in 1949. He was professor of music at the college from 1967 to 1987. Hoddinott helped found the Cardiff Festival of 20th Century Music in 1967. He died on March 12, 2008.
