Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Alan Rawsthorne

Alan Rawsthorne (May 2, 1905 - July 24, 1971) was a British composer.

Rawsthorne was born in Haslingden, Lancashire. After attempting careers in dentistry and architecture, he decided instead to study music in Manchester and Berlin. His breakthrough came with the Theme and Variations for two violins (1938) and Symphonic Studies for orchestra (1939). Other acclaimed works by Rawsthorne include a sonata for viola and piano (1937), two piano concertos (1939, 1951), an oboe concerto (1947), two violin concertos (1948, 1956), a concerto for orchestra (1949), and the Elegy for guitar (1971), a piece written for and completed by Julian Bream after the composer's death.