DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
★ SPECIAL PRINT EDITION ★
SECTION: WORLD
Composer George Fenton Dies at 76, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Iconic Scores

Composer George Fenton Dies at 76, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Iconic Scores

Oct 06, 2026 - 12:07
Blue Planet and Gandhi composer George Fenton dies aged 76
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Key Highlights

  • George Fenton, 76, dies after a life of iconic film and television scores.
  • Fenton's work earned him five Oscar nominations and numerous awards from the Baftas, Emmy Awards, and Ivor Novellos.
  • Fenton's music inspired countless others and will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.

George Fenton, the renowned British composer, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of iconic scores that have captivated audiences worldwide. Fenton's work in film, television, and music has earned him numerous accolades. This includes five Oscar nominations and a slew of awards from the Baftas, Emmy Awards, and Ivor Novellos.

Fenton's family announced his passing in a statement, saying, "We are very sad to announce that George Fenton passed away unexpectedly today. He is survived by his loving wife Amanda. Ex-wife Jane, children Gemma, Grace and Bridget, and grandchildren Lola, Audrey, Alfred, George, Frank and Beatrice, and a life of music."

Born George Howe in Bromley, Kent in 1949, Fenton's musical talents were evident from an early age. His father, a mechanical engineer, and his mother, a dancer and nurse, both had a strong musical background, which would later influence Fenton's career.

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George Fenton
Image caption, The composer spent most of his career writing alone, but he never entirely lost his love of performing. "I love live audiences," he told Radio 4's Sue Lawley in 2003

Fenton's first lessons were on the electric guitar, which he took up at the age of seven. He was heavily influenced by The Beatles, and his first job was as a musician in a band. However, he soon found himself drawn to composing music for film and television.

Fenton's breakthrough came in 1974 when he was commissioned to score the soundtrack for Richard Attenborough's Gandhi. The film's success catapulted Fenton to international fame, and he went on to compose music for numerous other films. This includes The Fisher King, Groundhog Day, and The Remains of the Day.

Fenton's work also extended to television, with scores for shows such as Planet Earth, Bergerac, and The Jewel in the Crown. His music perfectly complemented the stunning visuals of David Attenborough's natural history documentaries, earning him widespread critical acclaim.

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George Fenton stands next to a billboard promoting his orchestral show The Frozen Planet Live
Image caption, Fenton's scores for David Attenborough's natural history programmes became an international phenomenon

Fenton'It's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of credits. He was a true innovator, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in film and television scoring.

His music has inspired countless others, and his influence can be heard in many modern scores.

As Fenton once said, "For a composer, that's the biggest kick you can get." His passion for music was evident in everything he did, and he left behind a body of work that will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.

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I write about the forces shaping business and the global economy, from startup growth and changing markets to international trade and policy. My work focuses on breaking down complex developments into clear, practical insights and understanding what they could mean for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.

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