Richard Addinsell, English composer (d. 1977)

Richard Stewart Addinsell (13 January 1904 – 14 November 1977) was a highly esteemed English composer, widely celebrated for his significant contributions to film music. While his oeuvre spanned various forms, his enduring legacy is inextricably linked to the iconic Warsaw Concerto.

This celebrated piece, formally known as Concerto in C minor, Op. 38 for Piano and Orchestra, but universally referred to by its evocative shorter title, was specifically composed for the 1941 British war film Dangerous Moonlight. The film, released during the height of World War II, was also distributed and became known under the alternative title Suicide Squadron in the United States, reflecting its dramatic narrative. Addinsell's genius lay in crafting a powerful and emotional piano concerto that perfectly captured the film's romantic and wartime intensity, cementing his place in cinematic history.

The Genesis and Impact of the Warsaw Concerto

The Warsaw Concerto was not a standalone classical piece composed prior to the film; rather, it was a bespoke creation designed to serve the narrative of Dangerous Moonlight. The film's producers sought a new, original piano concerto that would evoke the grand romanticism and lush orchestration of composers like Sergei Rachmaninoff, whose style was highly popular at the time. Addinsell masterfully delivered, composing a piece that, despite being a relatively brief musical fantasy (around nine minutes in length) rather than a full-scale concerto with multiple movements, achieved immense popularity. Its soaring melodies and dramatic flair resonated deeply with wartime audiences, instantly becoming a major hit.

The success of the Warsaw Concerto in Dangerous Moonlight was phenomenal. It not only became a standalone concert piece, frequently performed and recorded by leading pianists and orchestras worldwide, but it also spurred a brief cinematic trend known as the "concerto film." This trend saw numerous other films incorporating a newly commissioned piano concerto as a central plot element or musical highlight, a testament to the profound impact and commercial appeal of Addinsell's composition. For the film's soundtrack, the concerto was notably performed by acclaimed pianist Louis Kentner, with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Muir Mathieson.

Richard Addinsell's Broader Musical Contributions

While the Warsaw Concerto remains his most famous work, Richard Addinsell's career as a composer was extensive and varied. He initially made a name for himself in theatre, composing incidental music for numerous plays, including collaborations with noted lyricist Clemence Dane. His transition into film music in the 1930s allowed him to bring his rich orchestral sensibilities to a wider audience. Beyond Dangerous Moonlight, Addinsell scored over 50 films, demonstrating his versatility and consistent quality. Notable film scores include those for Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit (1945), the classic adaptation of Charles Dickens's Scrooge (1951, known as A Christmas Carol in the US), and Beau Brummell (1954), among many others. His ability to blend classical influences with cinematic storytelling ensured his lasting influence on the landscape of British film music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Addinsell and the Warsaw Concerto

When was Richard Addinsell born and when did he pass away?
Richard Stewart Addinsell was born on January 13, 1904, and he passed away on November 14, 1977.
What is the Warsaw Concerto?
The Warsaw Concerto is a highly famous short piano concerto composed by Richard Addinsell. It was specifically created for the 1941 British film Dangerous Moonlight (also known as Suicide Squadron). Despite its name, it is a single-movement musical fantasy designed to emulate the romantic style of composers like Rachmaninoff, rather than a traditional multi-movement concerto.
For which film was the Warsaw Concerto composed?
The Warsaw Concerto was composed for the 1941 film Dangerous Moonlight. This film was later released in the United States under the title Suicide Squadron.
Was the Warsaw Concerto a pre-existing piece of music?
No, the Warsaw Concerto was not a pre-existing piece. Richard Addinsell was commissioned specifically to compose this piece for the film Dangerous Moonlight to meet its dramatic and musical requirements.
What other notable works did Richard Addinsell compose?
While the Warsaw Concerto is his most renowned work, Richard Addinsell composed extensively for both film and theatre. His other notable film scores include Blithe Spirit (1945), Scrooge (1951), and Beau Brummell (1954).