Finnissy, Michael (1946– )

English composer. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London, with Bernard Stevens and Humphrey Searle. He taught in the music department at the London School of Contemporary Dance 1969–74.

Works Stage operas The Undivine Comedy (Paris, 1988), Thérèse Raquin (London, 1993); Mysteries, eight separately performable music theatre pieces with Latin texts from the Bible: 1. The Parting of Darkness, 2. The Earthly Paradise, 3. Noah and the Great Flood, 4. The Prophecy of Daniel, 5. The Parliament of Heaven, 6. The Annunciation, 7. The Betrayal and Crucifixion, 8. The Deliverance of Souls.

Vocal Jeanne d'Arc for soprano, tenor, cello, and small orchestra (1971), Babylon for mezzo and ensemble (1971), Orfeo for soloists and instruments (1975), Mr Punch for voice and instruments (1977), Sir Tristan for soprano and ensemble (1979), Vaudeville for mezzo, baritone, instruments, and percussion (1983); Ngano for mezzo, tenor, chorus, flute, and percussion (1984); Two Motets for countertenor and guitar (1992).

Orchestral seven piano concertos (two for piano alone), Offshore for orchestra (1975–76), Pathways of Sun and Stars (1976), Red Earth (1988), and Eph-phatha (1989) for orchestra.

Chamber and other instrumental string trio (1986), string quartet (1986), Obrecht Motetten I–IV for various instrumental groups (1989–92), In stiller Nacht for violin, cello, and piano (1990), Cambridge Codex for flute, violin, cello, and two bells (1991), Nine Romantics for piano (1992).