About Michael Finnissy

Michael Finnissy is an English composer and pianist born in Tulse Hill, London in 1946. Finnissy's own ablilities as a pianist underlie much of his compositions. A significant number of these are piano transcriptions in his very complex style which typically involves irrational musical rhythmic values, virtuosic technique (in the piano pieces) and intricate linear, rather than harmonic, textures. He is often cited as a main member of the so-called New Complexity school, though he does not like the term. His transcriptions include works of, and/or references to, many composers of the Romantic tradition, including Verdi, Charles-Valentin Alkan and George Gershwin. Other significant influences on his music are folk music of many countries,the spontaneous style of Charles Ives, and the serialist approach of Arnold Schoenberg and his school (although Finnissy does not use tone rows). Some of his works (e.g. the cycle 'Unknown Ground') also express his social and political concerns. Finnissy is also noted for his excellent musical handwriting.