Robert Simpson (1921-1997) is widely regarded as the most important British composer in the generation following Benjamin Britten. He wrote 11 symphonies, 15 string quartets, much other chamber music and works for brass band. He also wrote definitive studies of Bruckner and Nielsen. A committed socialist and pacifist, Simpson worked as a volunteer on a mobile surgical unit during the London blitz. Brought up in the Salvation Army, he later rejected religion, and never tried to ingratiate himself with the establishment, politely refusing a CBE and resigning as a senior music producer for the BBC after almost thirty years' service on a point of principle. This is the authorised biography and follows a narrative of his life and works with a series of articles by the composer

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