Composer Alexander Goehr dies aged 92

Alexander Goehr has died aged 92 at his home in Cambridgeshire. The death of the German-born British composer was announced on 26 August by his publishers, Schott Music Group.

Goehr was born in Berlin in August 1932 and brought to England a year later by his father, conductor Walter Goehr, and his classically trained pianist mother, Laelia. His orchestral catalogue includes four symphonies, concertos for piano, violin, viola and cello, works for chamber, string and wind orchestra, as well as ensemble works.

In a statement published on the Schott Music Group website, the publisher said: ‘Distinguished composer and teacher, Goehr’s substantial impact on contemporary music in Britain and abroad is perceptible through his significant compositional output as well as the many noteworthy composers whom he taught.’

In the 1950s Goehr studied with Olivier Messiaen and Yvonne Loriod in Paris and with Richard Hall at the Royal Manchester College of Music where, together with fellow students Harrison Birtwistle, Peter Maxwell Davies and John Ogdon, he formed the New Music Manchester Group. He later founded the Music Theatre Ensemble in the 1960s, writing a trilogy of pieces for the ensemble, the first group devoted to the musical form.

Goehr’s commitment to new music was recognised through various accolades across his long career, including honorary memberships with the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Royal Philharmonic Society. At Tanglewood music festival, he held the role of composer-in-residence twice.

Goehr also made significant contributions to the contemporary music sphere as a teacher of composition. He was composer-in-residence at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, before teaching at Yale University as an associate professor of music, at Southampton University as visiting lecturer, and at the University of Leeds as West Riding professor of music. In 1975 Goehr was appointed to the chair of the University of Cambridge, where he remained emeritus professor until his death.

The world premiere of Goehr’s Seven Laments for solo clarinet will be performed by Ib Hausmann in October.