Anthony Payne

British contemporary classical composer

Anthony Payne (1936-2021) was an English composer and musicologist, known for his expertise in the music of Edward Elgar. His most notable work is perhaps his completion of Elgar's unfinished Symphony No. 3, which he worked on from the sketches left by Elgar at his death. Payne's elaboration of the symphony was premiered in 1998 and was well-received, bringing him considerable attention and acclaim. His career spanned several decades, during which he composed a range of works including orchestral music, chamber pieces, and vocal compositions. In addition to his compositional work, Payne was also a respected writer and critic, contributing to various music publications and providing insightful commentary on the works of other composers. His contributions to British music and his efforts to bring unfinished works to life have left a lasting impact on the classical music world.