Geoffrey Burgon, R.I.P.

[dirac]

Geoffrey Burgon, composer for dance companies and television, is dead at 69. I can hear the "Brideshead" theme music in my head right now. RIP.

However, it’s for his compositions for the BBC’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) and, most notably, the critically acclaimed ITV series, Brideshead Revisited (1981), that he is best remembered for. He won two Ivor Novello awards, one for each series, and sold 100,000 copies of his Brideshead Revisited album. Burgon, who is also renowned for his large body of chamber, choral and orchestral music, has composed music for the stage and screen, including Nicholas Nickleby (2001) and Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979). Although he was made many lucrative offers from Hollywood, Burgon concentrated on his concert music. Speaking to BBC News, James Rushton, for his publisher, Chester Music, said:.....

[4mrdncr]

Geoffrey Burgon, composer for dance companies and television, is dead at 69. I can hear the "Brideshead" theme music in my head right now. RIP.

However, its for his compositions for the BBCs Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) and, most notably, the critically acclaimed ITV series, Brideshead Revisited (1981), that he is best remembered for. He won two Ivor Novello awards, one for each series, and sold 100,000 copies of his Brideshead Revisited album. Burgon, who is also renowned for his large body of chamber, choral and orchestral music, has composed music for the stage and screen, including Nicholas Nickleby (2001) and Monty Pythons Life of Brian (1979). Although he was made many lucrative offers from Hollywood, Burgon concentrated on his concert music. Speaking to BBC News, James Rushton, for his publisher, Chester Music, said:.....

I am very saddened by this news; I have many recordings of his music. But the first I acquired were, of course, from the tv series (originally BBC) that appeared on PBS. Many years ago, I used to 'blast' that triumphal trumpet crescendo from Brideshead's credits as a reply to anyone who dared offend my sensitive hearing by a blaring bass or over loud rock music. (I used the cannonade from the 1812 Overture once for a similar reason.) But the music that I will always cherish is from the closing credits of Tinker, Tailor... his Nunc Dimmitis (sp?). (And I prefer the original with boy soprano, to the later recording with a female soprano.) May he rest in peace. I will always admire and appreciate his work.

[dirac]

Thanks for reminding me, 4mrdncr. The music for "Tinker, Tailor....." was wonderful as well. Great series, too.