Scoreload

English minimalist composer, pianist, and film score writer renowned for his distinctive repetitive structures and collaborations with Peter Greenaway.Born in London, studied at the Royal Academy of Music. Pioneered minimalist music terminology in 1968. Created iconic scores for films including 'The Piano' and Greenaway's works. Founded the Michael Nyman Band in 1976, blending classical with rock/pop influences.

• Coined the term 'minimalism' in music during a 1968 review of Cornelius Cardew's 'The Great Digest', though he later distanced himself from the label for his own work.
• His score for Jane Campion's 'The Piano' (1993) became a global sensation, selling over 3 million copies and earning a BAFTA, though it was controversially ruled ineligible for an Oscar due to reused motifs.
• Initially pursued a career as a musicologist and critic, publishing the book 'Experimental Music: Cage and Beyond' (1974) before focusing on composition.
• Suffered a major heart attack in 2007 during an opera rehearsal but recovered after emergency surgery, later composing 'The Heart Asks Pleasure First' symphony inspired by the experience.