Donald Patriquin


Donald Patriquin is a Canadian composer, organist, and choral conductor. Known internationally for choral and instrumental arrangements of folk music, Patriquin was a member of the Faculty of Music of McGill University from 1965 to 1996. He currently resides in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

Musical background

Patriquin began composing at the age of 11, winning several awards through his youth while studying composition with Jean Papineau-Couture during summer sessions. He completed a biology degree at Bishop's University in 1959 before beginning his formal studies in music. He studied composition at McGill University with István Anhalt and at the University of Toronto with John Weinzwig, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill in 1964 and an M.A. from Toronto in 1970. He also holds an A.Mus. degree in organ performance from McGill and an RCCO

Music

Patriquin's compositions are best known for the use of folk music elements, and in his instrumental work for abstract noises imitating sounds of nature. This compositional style can be seen in such pieces as the Fantasy for Fiddle and the Hangman's Reel/Suite Carignan. Some of Patriquin's works include visual or other multimedia elements. Trois mois, composed in 1982, includes a diaporama, and Earthpeace II, a 1998 composition commemorating the victims of Chernobyl, is written for dancers and choir.
His music is published by Earthsongs, A Tempo, and Canadian International Music.

Discography

Choral - a capella