Rawsthorne, Alan (1905–1971)

English composer. He devoted all his time to composition and produced a comparatively small number of distinctive and highly finished works. His output includes three string quartets (1940, 1954, 1965) and sonatas for violin, viola (1953), and cello (1949).

After studying dentistry, he turned to music at the age of 20 and studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music 1926–29. He taught at Dartington Hall, Devon, 1932–34; but settled in London in 1935 and married the violinist Jessie Hinchliffe. In 1938 and 1939 he had works performed at the International Society for Contemporary Music festivals in London and Warsaw.

Works Orchestral three symphonies (1950, 1959, 1964), Symphonic Studies, overture Street Corner for orchestra; two piano concertos, two violin concertos (1948, 1956), concerto for clarinet and strings, cello concerto (1965).

Chamber and vocal two string quartets (1954, 1964), Theme and Variations for string quartet (1939), quintet for piano and wind (1963); viola and piano sonata; Theme and Variations for two violins; Sonatina for oboe, flute and piano; two oboe quartets; four Bagatelles for piano; songs ‘Away Delights’ and ‘God Lyaeus’ (John Fletcher), Three French Nursery Songs.