Death of an English symphonist, 78
RIPWe are saddened to learn of the death of Christopher Gunning, from renal cancer.
Famed for writing the sax-led theme to ITV’s Agatha Christie Poirot series, he also composed 13 symphonies and numerous concertos, many of them recorded.
Two of his daughters are professional musicians. In my contacts with him he was always friendly and engaging.
Firelight remains a masterwork.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sy2jw9Y3_0Q
check out his score for “Rogue Male” (1976 bbc film of Geoffrey households book, starring Peter o Toole) top class work which would not disgrace Vaughan Williams.
Sorry to hear this. It was just a year ago at the Boulder MahlerFest that I came to know his symphonies; conductor Kenneth Woods was a passionate advocate for Gunning and played the world premier of the 10th which led me to acquiring the others on CD. Hopefully his beautiful music will be discovered and played everywhere. RIP.