Michael Finnissy is an esteemed British composer and pianist, renowned for his complex and thought-provoking compositions that span a vast array of styles and structures. Born on March 17, 1946, Finnissy has been an influential figure in contemporary classical music since the late 20th century. His work is characterized by its eclectic influences, integrating everything from folk music to avant-garde techniques, and often reflects profound engagement with political and social topics.

Finnissy's extensive oeuvre includes a wide range of instrumental and vocal music, and he is particularly noted for his contributions to piano literature, both through original compositions and intricate reworkings of existing music, such as his "Gershwin Arrangements." His ability to blend intense emotion with intellectual rigor has made his works, like "Michael Finnissy: Vocal Works, 1974-2015," a significant part of modern concert repertoire. His compositions, including "Michael Finnissy: Piano Concerto No. 3 / ...Above Earth's Shadow" and "Finnissy: Mississippi Hornpipes (Music for Violin & Piano)," continue to challenge and inspire performers and audiences with their demanding virtuosity and richly layered meanings. Finnissy's commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining an expressive, humanistic approach keeps his music at the forefront of contemporary classical music discourse.

Genres

British Contemporary Classical

Contemporary Classical

Related Artists

Philip Glass

Arvo Pärt

Steve Reich

John Tavener

György Ligeti

Johannes Brahms

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Michael Nyman

Kaija Saariaho

Heinz Holliger

John Adams

John Cage

Latest Release

Michael Finnissy: Alternative Readings

Michael Finnissy•

Lotte Betts-Dean

Album - 16 Tracks - Released March 15, 2024