Oscar-nominated composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett dies at 76

Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, the Oscar-nominated composer, passed away at the age of 76 on Christmas Eve.

According to the Guardian, Bennett was one of Britain's most versatile and talented composers and performers. He passed away in New York, his adopted home city.

The composer received Oscar nominations for scoring works like Murder on the Orient Express, Nicholas and Alexandra and Far from the Madding Crowd, reports The Huffington Post.

Bennett was nominated for two Grammy awards as well - Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special for 1973's Nicholas and Alexandra and 1976's Murder on the Orient Express. He also wrote scores for the films Four Weddings and a Funeral, Equus and The Nanny.

"Richard was the most complete musician of his generation – lavishly gifted as a composer, performer and entertainer in a multiplicity of styles and genres. He was a loyal friend to music, musicians and music publishing and we will remember him with great respect and affection," said Chris Butler, head of publishing for the Music Sales Group.