William Alwyn

About

Musician who loved dissonance. He invented an alternative to 12-tone serialism. He was also a polyglot, poet, and artist.

Before Fame

He entered the Royal Academy of Music in London when he was only 15 years old. His virtuosity as a flautist gained him great renown, and he even played the flute with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Trivia

He wrote over 70 film scores between 1941 and 1962 for such films as "Odd Man Out" starring James Mason, "Desert Victory," and "The History of Mr. Polly" starring John Mills.

Family Life

His cousin on his mother's side was actor Gary Cooper.

Associated With

His composition "Lyra Angelica" became popular after figure-skater Michelle Kwan performed to it at the 1998 Winter Olympics.