Composers

A prolific composer from childhood, John McCabe studied in Manchester and Munich, and embarked on an international career as composer and pianist (his complete CD survey of Haydn’s Piano Sonatas has become a landmark recording). He has worked in almost every genre, though large-scale forms lie at the heart of his catalogue. Apart from full-length ballets like Edward II and the two-part Arthur, his seven symphonies, at least twenty concertante works, and music such as Notturni ed Alba (for soprano and orchestra) and The Chagall Windows for orchestra place him at the centre of the repertoire. His output of chamber music, including seven string quartets and numerous quintets and trios, is equally outstanding, and he has made a major contribution to the field of piano music. McCabe’s mature style is characterised by a dramatic post-tonalism, and vivid orchestrations, combined with both accessibility and integrity.