Sorabji, Kaikhosru Shapurji

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Sorabji, Kaikhosru Shapurji [ Sorabji, Leon Dudley] (b Chingford, Essex, 1892; d Winfrith, Dorset, 1988). Eng.-born composer, pianist, and writer. Son of Parsi father and Sp.-Sicilian mother. Played his pf. works in London and Paris 1921 and Vienna 1922, but thereafter discouraged public perf. of his mus. until relenting in mid-1970s, though he remained something of a cult figure. Wrote music criticism notable for acerbity and wit, also for championship of then unfashionable composers, e.g. Mahler and Szymanowski. Works are of great complexity, the Opus clavicembalisticum for pf. (1930) being in 3 parts with 12 sub-divisions, incl. a theme with 49 variations, a passacaglia with 81 variations, and lasting nearly 4 hours. Other works, demanding elaborate forces, incl. syms., 3 organ syms., 8 pf. concs., pf. sonatas, etc.

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