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 30 August 2008 18:13 BST

Top composer Malcolm Arnold dies

Sunday, 24 Sep 2006 10:19
Sir Malcolm Arnold composed musical scores for 132 films during his career
Britain's most recorded composer Sir Malcolm Arnold died in hospital last night, after suffering from a short illness.

The 84-year-old, who won an Oscar in 1958 for the musical score he composed for the film, Bridge on the River Kwai, died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital after suffering from a chest infection.

Just hours after Sir Malcolm's death yesterday, his latest work, a ballet version of the Three Musketeers, premiered at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford, West Yorkshire, with the performance dedicated to his memory.

Tributes from across the musical world have been pouring in for the talented composer, who managed to compose 132 film scores, including those for Whistle Down the Wind, Hobson's Choice and The Belles of St Trinian's, during his career.

Despite a difficult battle with alcoholism and severe depression, Sir Malcolm, who was knighted in 1993, also found the time to compose nine symphonies, seven ballets, two operas, one musical and more than 20 concertos.

Describing Sir Malcolm as a "genius" cellist Julian Lloyd Webber said that the composer's work had never been "fully appreciated".

"I think he was a very, very great composer but uneven in his output," said Mr Lloyd Webber.

"Because he had humour in his music he was never fully appreciated by the classical establishment."

Meanwhile, director and actor, Lord Richard Attenborough, described Sir Malcolm as a "totally outstanding composer".

Sir Malcolm leaves behind two sons and one daughter.

End of story


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