Many Happy Returns to Paul Patterson, 76 today. His Concerto for Orchestra (1981). London Philharmonic conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes; EMI/Warner recording, released 1987; Mike Clements, engineer.

3 Comments

Robert Matthew-Walker on June 15, 2023 at 10:17 am

So glad to see you have highlighted this magnificent piece – I do not know of a finer work in the genre by a British composer; scandalously neglected by the BBC – I doubt if anyone working (?working) there knows of this Concerto for Orchestra or of its composer. At the Proms, it would be an absolute smash hit and the orchestra (any orchestra) would love playing it. Happy birthday, Paul.
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Monica McCabe on June 15, 2023 at 10:38 am

Happy Birthday, Paul, and many of them….!
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Ian Bailey on June 15, 2023 at 4:02 pm

Bob’s comment sadly ‘hits the nail on the head’.

I met the composer (4-5 years ago?) at one of the Friday afternoon concert series at Charlton House. I think it was a viola sonata that was played but I can’t be sure. Anyway, when I engaged him in conversation afterwards, and began to refer to various recordings, including the old ASV disc of “The Mass of the Sea” etc, he was almost embarrassingly touched that someone knew the works, and had paid good money for the recordings (!).

In response to your post I’ve dug out the Dutton CD, (CDLX 7257) of the Violin, Viola and ‘Cello Concertos and will be enjoying that over the next few days.

Meanwhile… Happy Birthday Mr Patterson !!
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