Rawsthorne, Alan (1905-1971), a leading British composer, became known for the craftsmanship and individual style of his music. He composed in many forms, writing for chamber groups, for string orchestra, for solo instruments with orchestra, and for voices, both solo and choral. He also wrote music for motion pictures and the stage. Rawsthorne’s principal works include Theme and Variations for two violins (1938), two violin concertos (1948, 1956), his Second and Third symphonies (1959, 1964), his choral works Medieval Diptych (1962) and Carmen vitale (1963), and his cello concerto (1965).
Rawsthorne was born on May 2, 1905, in Haslingden, Lancashire, England. He died on July 24, 1971.
