Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji, born on 14 August 1892 in Essex, was a notable English composer, pianist, and music critic. His musical career spanned over seventy years, producing a vast array of works that included intricate piano compositions and lengthy symphonies. Best known for pieces like Gulistān and Villa Tasca, Sorabji’s music was often complex and renowned for its technical difficulties. Despite his reluctance to perform in public, he first showcased his works between 1920 and 1936.

Sorabji faced personal challenges, including feelings of alienation due to his mixed heritage and homosexuality. He was largely self-taught and initially inspired by modernist musicians. In the late 1930s, he withdrew from public performances, enforcing a self-imposed ban on his music that lasted until 1976. His later years were spent in Corfe Castle, Dorset, where he focused on composing and writing. His unique style combined various musical influences, contributing significantly to the 20th-century music scene.