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Maskarade is also Doc of the Spectator. Interesting that in the latter guise he has had a few grumbles for setting rather too straightforward offerings, quite the reverse of the present stinker.

Hello all

I've been busy all day and only just found the cryptic crossword. Initially, I thought there wasn't one.

I understand the instructions, I think, and my husband is excellent on classical composers, so that may help, though I note they aren't all classical. I've got 1d and fitted it in to the grid (though I haven't yet managed to parse it), but I think it will take me days to sort it out any more. I've a full programme of preparations to carry out over the next few days. Unfortunately, my bad back means I have to stop and rest frequently, so I have to pace myself.

I found last week's crossword too difficult and ended up cheating with Dan Word, so didn't join you. I'll see how I get on this week. I may be back.

Jono, do you know if we'll get another special on Christmas Eve, or is this it?

The German avant-gardist is the obvious suspect. Found one contemporary (by classical standards; d. 2009) Brit so far, though since he was an extremely vocal critic of serialism I'm not sure he qualifies as "avant-garde". 😁

Thanks barretter and quisling
Found it now. Farewell ITO!

Hi Roof
Take it easy over Christmas!
1D. The first two hyphenated words (4-4) are slang for "keenly contested", and the remainder is an anagram of the next three words.

thanks buzzybee - I pay it every year but never knew it by that tautologous abbreviation ... or heard of the ladybird ... quite pleased that torment's over!

Ah yes Geeker, I didn't mean to imply that the two Brits were "avant-garde" in the sense of following the Italian, Greek and German ones you have identified. On the other hand "serialism" was the avant-garde music of the 1940s and 50s which is quite a long time ago now and since then we have had other "avant-gardes", notably American minimalism (none of them in the grid). I suspect most people who listen to the mediocre pop music promoted in the pages of the Guardian would find the Brit composer who died in 2009 "avant-garde".

Many thanks Chrise, I wouldn't have seen Ludwig. Much more my level.

Is the Ludwig puzzle a prize one?

xwordfan, I don’t think so as a blog of the puzzle is already up on 225.

I read that there will be a new series of Ludwig coming in the autumn.