Michael Finnissy

Michael Finnissy was born in London in 1946. He was a Foundation Scholar at the Royal College of Music where he studied composition with Bernard Stevens and Humphrey Searle, and piano with Edwin Benbow and Ian Lake. Afterwards, he studied in Italy with Roman Vlad. In 2005 Michael was the recipient of two British Composer Awards, which are given by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. Molly-House for ensemble won in the 'Making Music' category, a work written for COMA, with whom Michael is Artistic Director for the 2006 'Open Score' project.

Michael's works are widely performed and broadcast worldwide. He created the music department of the London School of Contemporary Dance, and has been associated as composer with many British dance companies including London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ballet Rambert, Strider, and Second Stride.

Michael takes inspiration for his works from many different sources. His music can be direct and challenging, although behind the complexity is an innate sense of drama and lyricism. These qualities, allied with unexpected harmonies and unusual ways of combining different instrumental colours, is what makes Michael one of the most respected composers in Britain today, and is what makes his music so suitable for the dance stage.

Michael's catalogue of works is vast, and continues to grow. For a flavour of his music, listen to the following works:

• In Stiller Nacht - this was written at the request of the Bekova sisters 'in the manner of Brahms'. It alludes explicitly to Brahms' arrangement of the folksong 'In Stiller Nacht'. It begins rather in the manner of Eastern European folkmusic, and has a neo-classical chorale at the end. A unique and hauntingly beautiful work.
• Obrecht Motetten V - written for ensemble, this is the last in the series of 'Obrecht Motets' derived from two motets by Netherlands composer Jacobus Obrecht.
• Two motets - for guitar and voice. They are both settings of contemplative, religious (but non-liturgical) texts; and both are cast in a repetitive, rondeau-like form, making use of Gregorian chant.