Michael Nyman, a prominent minimalist composer known for his modular and repetitive style, gained recognition for his film scores in collaboration with director Peter Greenaway. Nyman, born in London in 1944, studied music under influential mentors like Alan Bush and Thurston Dart, whose teachings on contrapuntal lines and English rounds heavily influenced Nyman's compositions. Initially working as a music critic in the '60s, Nyman's breakthrough came with the score for The Draughtsman's Contract in 1982, marking the beginning of his successful career in film scoring and collaborations with Greenaway on notable works such as Drowning By Numbers and The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.

Nyman's unique musical signatures include his use of propulsive repetition and distinctive instrumental choices, such as thumping keyboards and baritone saxophones. His diverse influences, from Mozart to Schumann, are evident in his varied works, including the acclaimed chamber opera The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Nyman's emotional compositions for German singer Ute Lemper and his iconic score for The Piano in 1992 showcase his ability to create haunting melodies that he often revisits and rearranges across different musical settings. His extensive body of work includes compositions for film, chamber music, opera, and dance scores, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative composer in the realm of minimalist music.