Paul Patterson work on Afternoon Concert today (9 Feb)

[Serial_Apologist]

I vaguely remember Paul Patterson's music from the 1970s, when he was considered quite avant-garde. "Serenade" doesn't suggest any such thing, unless the title is to be taken ironically. But that remains to be seen - Mr Patterson has done sterling work on behalf of contemporary music in his time at the RAM, and I for one shall be listening with interest: it's high time we had a few more British composers of my generation apart from Mr Knussen heard on Radio 3!

[Richard Barrett]

I vaguely remember Paul Patterson's music from the 1970s, when he was considered quite avant-garde. "Serenade" doesn't suggest any such thing, unless the title is to be taken ironically. But that remains to be seen - Mr Patterson has done sterling work on behalf of contemporary music in his time at the RAM, and I for one shall be listening with interest: it's high time we had a few more British composers of my generation apart from Mr Knussen heard on Radio 3!

I heard a whole programme of his music recently and found it superficial, eclectic and uninspired. A few more British composers of your generation to be heard on Radio 3 should include Michael Finnissy, James Dillon, Richard Emsley, Jonty Harrison and others before Patterson surely!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I heard a whole programme of his music recently and found it superficial, eclectic and uninspired.

- "eclectic" in the worst possible sense. I don't recall ever having heard anything of his that could remotely be described as "Avant Garde".

[BBMmk2]

I've only heard a brass band piece he wrote, many years ago, in the days of Ifor James, etc. Not very inspiring either. I have bought the CD, which only came today. Also on it is the Kenneth Leighton VC, Op.12, which I found quite different and more original, and also makes you listen as well.

[Serial_Apologist]

- "eclectic" in the worst possible sense. I don't recall ever having heard anything of his that could remotely be described as "Avant Garde".

As you and Richard say. I've been checking my British Music Now - A guide to the Work of Younger Composers (Elek Books Limited, 1975, Lewis Foreman), where (Page 193) Patterson's entry states the following:

"Studied RAM 1964-8 and privately with Richard Rodney Bennett. Composer in residence to English Sinfonia 1968-9; Manson Fellow RAM 1971-. Many commissions from leading ensembles, orchs & performers. Associated with Manson Ensemble (live electronics), and London Chorale (cond Roy Wales).

Works include: Requiem, Time Piece, Comedy for Five Winds, Fusions (tape & orch), Organ Trilogy, Chromascope, conc for tmpt & horn [...] ".

Just going by some of those titles................