Introduction
Buxton Orr (18 April 1924 – 27 December 1997) was a Glasgow-born Anglo-Scottish composer.
Originally trained as a doctor, Orr gave up medicine and switched to music, studying composition with Benjamin Frankel and conducting with Aylmer Buesst. Best known for his personal application of serial technique and for several virtuoso instrumental fantasies on well-known operatic themes, he was also active for a time in the film industry as well as being an energetic and influential teacher. His music includes works in all genres, including songs, chamber music, works for brass and wind band, orchestral music, opera and music theatre as well as film scores. In 1990 he gave up regular teaching to devote more time to composition, and lived in the Wye Valley until his death. He was not related to the composer Robin Orr (1909-2006).
Music
Works for wind band; Tournament, Trombone Concerto, Narration, A Caledonian Suite, Piano Trios 1, 2, and 3 (recorded on Marco Polo in 1996)
Film music
- Grip of the Strangler (1958)
- Fiend Without a Face (1958)
- Corridors of Blood (1958)
- First Man Into Space (1959)
- Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
- Doctor Blood's Coffin (1961)
- The Snake Woman (1961)
- The Eyes of Annie Jones (1964)
As conductor
With Barry Guy/The London Jazz Composers' Orchestra
- Ode (Incus, 1972)
Other musical works
Some of his stock music was used in several "Doctor Who" serials.