McCabe, John (1939– )

English composer and pianist. As a pianist he often performed the sonatas of Joseph Haydn. His own compositions include much orchestral and chamber music. He was director of the London College of Music 1983–90.

He studied at Manchester University, the Royal Manchester College of Music, and the Munich Hochschule für Musik. He became visiting professor of composition at the Royal Academy of Music, London, in 1995.

Works Opera The Play of Mother Courage (1974) and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1969).

Ballet Mary, Queen of Scots (1976) and Don Juan (1973).

Orchestral three symphonies (1965, 1971, 1978), Variations on a theme of Hartmann (1964), The Chagall Windows (1974), The Shadow of Light (1979); concerto for orchestra (1982), three piano concertos (1966, 1970, 1976), two violin concertos (1959, 1980); Notturni ed Alba for soprano and orchestra (1970), Stabat Mater for soprano, chorus, and orchestra (1976).

Other three string quartets (1960, 1972, 1979); piano and organ music, songs.