Mourning for a US classical record legend

The classical community is weeping for Joseph Patrych, who has died at 68.

Joe, who owned Patrych Sound Studios in New York,was a freelance producer for many labels including Bis, BMG, Bridge, Centaur, Music & Arts, Nonesuch and New York Philharmonic Special Editions. His expert knowledge was cherished by musicians of three generations.

First tributes:
Pianist Zsolt Bognar: ‘With the passing of Joe Patrych yesterday, the world lost a beacon of record-engineering craft and of human connection, and draws the end of an era. He was the center of the in-the-know musical crowd in New York City for decades, and his knowledge of the piano was encyclopedic. Joe made each of us feel like his most valued friend. With his distinctive New York accent: “Hey, Zsolt, it’s Joe. Hey man, what’s the story on ___”. He never failed to make people laugh with his jokes and swearing; he brought together a community. He skipped the bullshit in the industry and called it out in others with colorful language, but was the opposite of mean. He was the kindest soul—and was unwavering in his support of young people. He was the featured guest on Episode 2 of Living the Classical Life in 2011, pictured below. I wish I could have told him one more time how much we felt his love of people. It’s hard to imagine the musical world without our ubiquitous friend. Rest in peace Joe’

Foundation chief Tatjana Rankovich: ‘Our NYC music scene will never be the same. An end of an era. Let this sink in and be processed. The fact that Joe Patrych is not with us anymore is almost impossible to accept. It seems surreal. We have lost a humanist, a mensch, an incredible friend, most loyal, a professional genius and someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of the entire piano repertoire, the one who was so completely authentic, no BS for him, ever, the one with an immense sense of right from wrong, funny and fun to be with. From all the recordings I’ve done in his studio, he always raved about the Giannini Sonata: “it steals the show” he’d say.

‘Editing with him was always exhilarating because he would bring in more magic. And those casual, memorable moments just driving around after a concert or dinner and listening to more music in his car. Not just listening but actively living every note, every phrase and performer’s breath. Some of these were many of our favorite recordings: Pogorelich’s Carnegie concert with Liszt Transendetal Etudes, Peter Mennin’s Piano Concerto ( my favorite) with John Ogdon, Julius Katchen playing bunch of Brahms, Igor Zhukov playing Tchaikovsky 2nd, etc, etc. By the way, Joe was the best driver! He would always find a perfect parking spot; anywhere in Manhattan. No sweat. I’ll miss those chats we had about anything and everything. His phone call would usually start like this: Hello TR, it’s your friend JP….. when are we having dinner? The first photo everyone knows – his studio and with his favorite Matina around his neck. In the other photo, we were driving down from Boston where he came to hear me play. Will forever cherish these moments and memories. Joe was a gift to us all. RIP’

Pianist Marioara Trifan: Joe, you were and are unique. It would take a genuine mensch of your dimension, your completely unpretentious professional quality, your humor and generosity, your total passion for music – especially piano music – and your commitment to recording it all, to unite so many pianists in New York and beyond in our demonstration of love, hope and support for you over these past few days. You were the common denominator of us all. And I hope you always will be.’

Pianist Geoffrey Burleson: ‘R.I.P. Joe Patrych, dear friend, brilliant collaborator, stalwart sonic supporter, and magnificent mensch. Joe co-produced and engineered 10 of my solo CDs over 20 years, from Arthur Berger, Roy Harris and Persichetti through hours and hours of Saint-Saëns. Always encouraging but also ready with tough love in sessions whenever he knew I could do better. I greatly benefited from the best, most acutely sensitive pair of ears I could have ever hoped for. And Joe also knew more about piano music than I could learn in several lifetimes. Loved the ritual of going to have a meal of Italian delectableness on Arthur Ave. after sessions. The man ate, breathed and lived piano music, and never seemed to tire of it. If there is a great beyond, there will be the most sublime Fazioli piano there with him, wherever he is residing. I will deeply miss Joe, and be forever grateful for his guidance and friendship, and to be always connected with him through our recordings.’

Administrator David Milkis: ‘Almost every musician I know in New York (and elsewhere) is feeling the great loss of Joe Patrych. Now that it’s public knowledge, it’s unbelievable how many people have been affected. This community spans far and wide. I didn’t know Joe for very long, though we’ve had several lengthy phone calls since the Summer. He’s known me my whole life, being that my mother, Mara Milkis, is a violinist and has worked with Joe in recording various projects, among other things.
Joe and I had some upcoming plans for me to get involved with his current workload. He told me that he’s “starting to get tired after 47 years of doing this” and that he needs help.
Those of you who know him, know that’s rare for him to admit needing anything, let alone help. I’m happy I was able to see that side of him, I feel special that I had this strange, beautiful, almost eerie time with him in his twilight. Rest in peace Joe, you deserve it. We all miss you and love you.’

Pianist Jeffrey Biegel: ‘The world lost a friend, and one of the finest piano recording engineers of our generation. I met Joe Patrych in the 1990s via Jeffrey James. I’ll never forget playing some obscure Etude by Wollenhaupt – even Joe didn’t know it! This started a wonderful friendship. Our first recording was with Susan Napodano DelGiorno – the Classical Carols, by Carolyne McGougan Taylor, a project I brought to Susan from a PianoDisc project with Jan Glazier. We had such a good time. This led to the complete Mozart Sonatas cycle with Susan and Joe, and all the repeats! But they let me do the additional embellishments in the repeats. Ha! Joe’s pet phrase, “Peat – and RE peat!” And, “Let’s do it again, this time with feeling.” Oh no, the cat got into the studio. “Here, Sweetie!” Then, we did a recording which Naxos took on, the Vivaldi “Four Seasons” solo piano arrangement by yours truly, and the solo piano arrangements of the Lute Concerto and Mandolin Concerto by Andrew Gentile. Joe really took to Andy’s brilliant work. Then, the new Sonatina Album and the ‘Scenes from Childhood’ by Schumann and the same title, virtually unknown by Kullak for the Hal Leonard Schirmer Performance Editions, and the all Chopin recording for Roven Records. Our last adventure (with Susan) was “A Pianist’s Journey’ on my label, which became a digital only release of three hours and 45 minutes of music. This was an experience I shall remember for the invaluable input and guidance of Joe’s uncanny taste and impeccable pair of ears. I always sent pianists to Joe, students and pros. His piano was beautiful. He did so much for people, for music, a legendary person, a huge legacy. I feel a huge void now, but know that he lived a life filled with blessings, with the people and music he wanted to surround himself with. A full life and a life that filled our souls for eternity. I hope you are conversing with the great composers and pianists in the Highest Heaven.’