Nancarrow, Conlon (1912–1997)

US composer. Using a player-piano as a form of synthesizer, punching the rolls by hand, he experimented with mathematically derived combinations of rhythm and tempo in 37 Studies for Piano-Player (1950–68), works of a hypnotic persistence that aroused the admiration of a younger generation of minimalist composers.

He studied at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory 1929–32 and later with Slonimsky and Sessions in Boston. After involvement in the Spanish Civil War he lived in Mexico 1940–81. His music is notated by perforating piano player rolls, although it has been played by other means – the string quartet no. 3 was given its first performance in 1988 by the Arditti Quartet.

Works Chamber and solo Blues and Prelude for piano (1935), Toccata for violin and piano (1935), septet (1940), sonatina for piano (1940); trio for clarinet, bassoon, and piano (1943); suite for orchestra (1943); three string quartets.