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| Composer Malcolm Arnold Dies At 84  Sir Malcolm Arnold, the most recorded British composer of all time, died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 84 in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He had been suffering from a chest infection. Born into a prosperous Northamptonshire family, Arnold was a rebellious teenager attracted to the creative freedom of jazz. He he started learning the trumpet aged 12 after meeting Louis Armstrong in Bournemouth. At 17, won a scholarship at the Royal College of Music. By 1943, he was a principal trumpeter with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.His first symphony was performed in 1950 and three years later he wrote a coronation ballet, Homage to the Queen, which was premiered at Covent Garden. His growing reputation brought comparisons with Benjamin Britten and many commissions, including the film scores. He had to write the music for The Bridge on the River Kwai, starring Alec Guinness and William Holden, in just 10 days but it won the Oscar in 1958, partly for its counterpoint melody to the 'Colonel Bogie' march. Malcolm Arnold wrote nine symphonies, two operas, more than 20 concertos, suites and overtures, seven ballets and 132 film scores, including the haunting theme to Whistle Down the Wind. But it was his soundtrack to The Bridge On the River Kwai that made him the first British composer to win an Oscar. Malcolm Arnold was awarded a CBE in 1970 and a knighthood in the 1993 New Years Honours List for his services to music. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |