Paul Keenan (composer)

Paul Keenan (1 August 1956 – 26 June 2001) was a British 20th Century contemporary classical composer. His body of composition spans 27 years, though consistently explores his fascination with both Anglo-Saxon texts (from The Exeter Book) and the natural world. Education Keenan was born in Birmingham where he attended St Philip’s Grammar School. He went on to study composition with Anthony Gilbert at the Royal Northern College of Music. He enrolled at Durham University in 1979 to read for a Master of Arts degree, but eventually left without submitting a thesis after struggling with writer’s block. In 1992, he returned to education (the decision to leave Durham having ‘plagued him’ for some time) and began doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh. Keenan also studied privately with Bill Hopkins. Notable works * Concerto for Groups of Instruments (1974–76) :: 1(picc).alto fl.1.1.1–1.2.2.1–pno.organ–7.3.3.1 * The Ruin (part one) (1976–79) :: Setting of part of The Ruin, an Anglo-Saxon poem from The Exeter Book :: soprano, counter-tenor, 1.1.1.0-1.1.1.0-pno/cel.hpsch/org-2 perc–string quartet * Palimpsest (1992–95) :: Setting of riddles from The Exeter Book :: soprano, 0.1.1.0–0