Patrick Gowers, English composer and educator (d. 2014)

William Patrick Gowers (1936–2014) was a distinguished English composer whose versatile talent left a significant mark, particularly in the realm of film and television scores. Born on May 5, 1936, in Islington, London, Gowers hailed from a family with a rich intellectual and professional heritage. His parents were Stella Gowers (née Pelly) and Richard Gowers, a solicitor. This esteemed lineage extended to his great-grandfather, the eminent neurologist Sir William Richard Gowers, and his grandfather, Sir Ernest Gowers, a renowned civil servant and accomplished writer, best known for his guide to clear English prose. This strong academic and professional background undoubtedly provided a fertile ground for young Gowers's artistic development.

Education and Early Musical Endeavors

Gowers received his early education at Radley College, a notable independent boarding school, before pursuing his passion for music at Cambridge University. During his time at Cambridge, he became actively involved in the vibrant theatrical scene, composing music for the celebrated Cambridge Footlights, a renowned student comedic theatre group that has served as a launching pad for many influential British performers and writers. This period also saw him teaching composition part-time, honing his pedagogical skills alongside his creative ones. His academic pursuits culminated in 1966 with the completion of his doctorate, a detailed study focusing on the distinctive and often enigmatic music of the French composer Erik Satie, whose minimalist and unconventional approach clearly resonated with Gowers's own exploratory spirit.

Diversified Career Beginnings

Following his university studies, Gowers embarked on a career that showcased his wide-ranging musical abilities. He served as assistant conductor for Bill Russo's London Jazz Orchestra, immersing himself in the dynamic world of jazz. A pivotal moment in his early career came in 1964 when he took on the role of music director for the Royal Shakespeare Company's groundbreaking productions of "Marat/Sade." This highly controversial and avant-garde play, with its complex themes and intense theatricality, ran successfully in both London's West End and New York, establishing Gowers's prowess in live theatre. His involvement with the play continued as he subsequently composed the music for the acclaimed 1967 film adaptation of "Marat/Sade," marking one of his earliest significant contributions to cinema. The 1970s further demonstrated his versatility; he directed the electronic music studio at Dartington, an esteemed centre for arts and education, exploring new sonic landscapes. Concurrently, he showcased his performance skills, playing keyboards for the innovative New Swingle Singers, known for their unique jazz vocal interpretations of classical and contemporary pieces.

A Prolific Composer for Film

It was after his notable work on the "Marat/Sade" film that William Gowers began to compose more extensively for both feature films and documentaries, cementing his reputation as a versatile and atmospheric film composer. Another significant early film score was for Tony Richardson's 1969 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," starring Nicol Williamson, a production that brought a modern sensibility to the classic tragedy. His extensive filmography demonstrates his ability to craft music that enhanced diverse narratives. Other films for which he composed memorable scores included:

Mastering the Television Landscape

The 1970s also marked the beginning of Gowers's successful foray into television music, where his evocative scores became a hallmark of quality British drama. His exceptional talent was formally recognised in 1982 when he received the prestigious BAFTA original music award for his outstanding contributions to three distinct and highly acclaimed productions: the intricate spy thriller "Smiley's People," the Gothic mystery "The Woman in White," and the historical drama "I Remember Nelson." However, Gowers is perhaps most widely celebrated for his iconic musical compositions for "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and its subsequent series, starring the definitive Jeremy Brett as the titular detective. Running from 1984 to 1994, Gowers's atmospheric and instantly recognizable themes and incidental music became synonymous with the Granada Television adaptations, perfectly capturing the Victorian era and the intellectual intensity of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. The enduring popularity of his work led to the release of the soundtrack in 1987. Furthermore, he composed the music for Brett's TV film adaptations of two other famous Sherlock Holmes adventures: "The Sign of Four" (1987) and "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1988). Beyond the world of Sherlock, his television credits also include music for other notable series such as "Therese Raquin" (1980), "Anna Karenina" (1985), and "Forever Green" (1989), further showcasing his ability to adapt his style to various dramatic contexts.

Concert Works and Choral Contributions

While renowned for his screen compositions, William Gowers also dedicated his talents to concert music, producing a body of work that demonstrated his classical training and innovative spirit. A notable aspect of his concert output was his collaboration with the internationally acclaimed classical guitarist John Williams, for whom he composed significant pieces including the "Chamber Concerto for Guitar" and "Rhapsody for Guitar, Electric Guitars and Electric Organ," which brilliantly explored the sonic possibilities of both acoustic and electric instruments. His profound understanding of vocal music was evident in his choral works, which remain highly regarded. These include his magnificent setting of "Veni Sancte Spiritus" and a special commission for the consecration of Richard Harries as Bishop of Oxford in 1987, a powerful piece titled "Viri Galilaei." He also composed a "Cantata" (1991) and several other anthems, such as "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Aveto Augustine," contributing significantly to sacred music. His instrumental concert compositions included a "Toccata" for organ, commissioned by the esteemed organist Simon Preston, which was later joined by a complementary fugue over a decade after its initial creation, demonstrating a long-term artistic vision. Another distinctive piece was his "Occasional Trumpet Voluntary," a bright and ceremonial work.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1961, William Gowers married Caroline Maurice, beginning a lifelong partnership. Together, they raised three accomplished children who continued the family's legacy of intellectual and artistic achievement. Their son, Sir Timothy Gowers, became a distinguished mathematician, earning the prestigious Fields Medal. Their daughter, Rebecca Gowers, carved out a successful career as a writer, and their other daughter, Katharine Gowers, became an acclaimed violinist, performing internationally. William Patrick Gowers passed away on December 30, 2014, at the age of 78, leaving behind his widow, Caroline, and their three talented children, who survive him. His multifaceted legacy as a composer, educator, and conductor continues to resonate through his memorable screen scores and his thoughtfully crafted concert works.

Frequently Asked Questions about William Patrick Gowers

What was William Patrick Gowers primarily known for?
William Patrick Gowers was primarily known as an English composer, particularly acclaimed for his extensive and memorable film and television scores, including the iconic music for "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series.
When and where was he born?
He was born on May 5, 1936, in Islington, London, England.
What was his educational background?
Gowers was educated at Radley College and later read music at Cambridge University, where he also composed for the Cambridge Footlights. He completed his doctorate on the music of Erik Satie in 1966.
Which notable film scores did he compose?
Among his significant film scores are those for "Marat/Sade" (1967), Tony Richardson's "Hamlet" (1969), "The Virgin and the Gypsy" (1970), "Stevie" (1978), and "Whoops Apocalypse" (1986).
What were his most famous television compositions?
He is most widely recognized for composing the music for "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series (1984-1994) starring Jeremy Brett, as well as its TV film adaptations "The Sign of Four" (1987) and "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1988). He also won a BAFTA for "Smiley's People," "The Woman in White," and "I Remember Nelson" in 1982.
Did he compose any non-screen music?
Yes, Gowers composed a variety of concert music, including works for guitarist John Williams (Chamber Concerto for Guitar, Rhapsody for Guitar), choral pieces like "Veni Sancte Spiritus" and "Viri Galilaei," and instrumental works such as his "Toccata" for organ and "Occasional Trumpet Voluntary."
What was his family's intellectual legacy?
Gowers came from a distinguished family; his great-grandfather was the neurologist Sir William Richard Gowers, and his grandfather was the civil servant and writer Sir Ernest Gowers. His own children also achieved prominence: Sir Timothy Gowers as a mathematician, Rebecca Gowers as a writer, and Katharine Gowers as a violinist.