Oliver Knussen Essentials

British composer and conductor Oliver Knussen wrote music of unbridled imagination and originality. His range was astonishing, from a pair of riotous one-act operas based on Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are and Higglety Pigglety Pop! to a ravishing and beautifully orchestrated violin concerto that is full of glittering textures. And within the orchestral miniature “Flourish With Fireworks” lurks the influence of Igor Stravinsky. So much more than a composer, however, Knussen was a beloved teacher, innovator and a tireless champion of the British contemporary music scene.