Bennett, Richard Rodney (1936– )

English composer of jazz, film music, symphonies, and operas. His film scores for Far from the Madding Crowd (1967), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), and Murder on the Orient Express (1974) all received Academy Award nominations. His operas include The Mines of Sulphur (1963) and Victory (1970).

He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and in Paris, France, with Pierre Boulez. Influenced by Béla Bartók, he has used serial techniques but also writes in a lighter vein.

Works Opera The Ledge (1961), The Mines of Sulphur (1963), A Penny for a Song (1966), Victory (after Conrad; 1970).

Ballet Isadora (1981).

Orchestral three symphonies (1965, 1967, 1987); Anniversaries for orchestra (1982); Sinfonietta (1984); Dream Dancing (1986), Celebration (1992), Aubade; piano concerto (1968), oboe concerto; concertos for harpsichord (1980) and clarinet (1987).

Chamber four string quartets (1952–64); Calendar for chamber ensemble; Memento for flute and strings (1983).

Other Love Songs for tenor and orchestra (texts by E E Cummings) (1985); concertos for saxophone (for Stan Getz, 1990) and for trumpet and wind band (1993); vocal music; film, radio, and television music.