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Oliver Knussen

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description Oliver Knussen Overview

Oliver Knussen was a British composer and conductor who lived from 1952 to 2018 and became closely associated with contemporary classical music. His compositions include the operas Where the Wild Things Are and Higglety Pigglety Pop!, both based on works by Maurice Sendak, as well as symphonies and compact orchestral pieces. He also conducted and promoted music by living composers and held artistic leadership roles connected with Aldeburgh and the Tanglewood Music Center.

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What are Oliver Knussen's most famous compositions?

Knussen is best known for his two operas based on Maurice Sendak's children's books: Where the Wild Things Are and Higglety Pigglety Pop!, both of which he composed in the 1980s and 1990s. His orchestral works such as the Horn Concerto and Flourish with Fireworks are also frequently performed.

What orchestras did Oliver Knussen conduct?

Knussen had particularly close relationships with the London Sinfonietta, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Music Center, where he served as head of contemporary music activities. He was also a frequent guest conductor with major international orchestras, premiering works by composers such as Hans Werner Henze, Elliott Carter, and Alexander Goehr.

When did Oliver Knussen die, and what was his age?

Oliver Knussen died on July 8, 2018, at the age of 66. He had been suffering from health problems in his later years, which had reduced his conducting and composing activity.

What was Oliver Knussen's connection to Maurice Sendak?

Knussen collaborated directly with Maurice Sendak, the acclaimed author and illustrator, to adapt Where the Wild Things Are and Higglety Pigglety Pop! into operas. Sendak was involved in the libretto and stage design, and the two maintained an artistic partnership through the long development and revision process of both works.