Cardew, Cornelius (1936-1981)

English composer and pianist. He belonged at one time to the avant-garde school, whose ideas are much influenced by John Cage, but he later espoused Marxist principles and published a book, Stockhausen Serves Imperialism (1974). In 1969 he founded the Scratch Orchestra for non-performers, who are free to produce any sounds or no sounds on conventional or improvised instruments. His works have been widely performed in Europe.

Cardew was born in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, with, among others, Howard Ferguson. In 1958 he went to Cologne, Germany, to study electronic music, also working with Karlheinz Stockhausen until 1960.

Works Octet 1959; 193-page graphic score Treatise (1967); The Great Learning (1970); Autumn 60 for orchestra; A Bun for orchestra; The East is Red for violin and piano (1972); The Old and the New, for soprano, chorus, and orchestra (1973); piano music.