Words / B2

k-uh-m-POHZ-uh/kəmˈpəʊzə/

A composer is a person who writes music: a composer of; name the composer. Songwriter is a close twin, often for popular song; arranger adapts existing music. Name the composer in the programme note, then the year of the work. Mix-up: composer vs compositor (a typesetter); composition (the work); do not write composer for a streaming slogan with no named work.

Meaning

A person who writes music.

Examples

• “Name the composer in the programme note, then the year of the work.”
• “A court composer featured in the history extract, which is the patronage sense — still name the monarch if given.”

Good to know

a composer of; name the composer; compositional. Close: songwriter / arranger. Trap: compositor. Music, history, and RS. A person who writes music — name the work and the year.

Near in meaning

songwriter, musician, arranger

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