Lee Pattison

Lee Pattison (July 22, 1890, in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin – December 22, 1966, in Claremont, California) was a noted American pianist, composer, arranger, opera director, and teacher. From about 1919 until 1931 he was a member of the popular two-piano team of Guy Maier and Lee Pattison. Lee Pattison Recital Hall at Scripps College in Claremont, California, is named for him.

Early life Lee (Marion) Pattison was born in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, on July 22, 1890. His father, Joseph Marion Pattison, was a public school teacher, and his mother, Mary Alice McVicker, a private music teacher. While he was still a boy, his family moved to Iowa. Maier and Pattison returned to Boston in 1914.

Maier and Pattison After Maier and Pattison heard a two-piano performance by Harold Bauer (1873–1951) and Ossip Gabrilowitsch (1878–1936), they began to play together. In 1928, they gave the Carnegie Hall premiere of Mozart’s Andante and Variations, K. 501, a work composed in 1786 but never before played in the New York hall. As their reputation grew, they became known as “The Piano Twins.” In March 1937, Maier and Pattison joined in a reunion concert on the stage of the Works Progress Administration Theatre of Music in New York.

Original compositions and arrangements Pattison published original compositions and arrangements of classic works for piano, two pianos, solo voice, and choral groups. He spent several summers in composition at Warm Springs, Georgia.

Scripps College In 1941 he became professor of music at Scripps College in Claremont, California. He held the position until his retirement in 1962, at which time he became professor emeritus. As evidence of the affection and respect in which he was held at Scripps, the trustees named the Lee Pattison Recital Hall in his honor.

Private teaching Pattison was a highly admired private teacher of piano. His pupils included the eminent pianist, John Browning (1933–2003).

Family life Lee Pattison married the English-born Gladys Cousins on July 6, 1920. They were the parents of three daughters, Diana (1922–2011), Patricia (1924–27), and Valerie (1930–77).