Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 2, 1914 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

April 21, 1981 in West Nyack, NY

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Eddie Sauter was an American composer and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 2, 1914, in New York City, Sauter grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Sauter began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Sauter's formal music education began at the age of 16 when he enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music. He studied composition and orchestration under the tutelage of Joseph Schillinger, a Russian composer and music theorist. Schillinger's teachings had a profound impact on Sauter's approach to music composition, and he would later credit Schillinger for his success as a composer. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Sauter began his career as a freelance arranger and composer. He worked with several big bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Tommy Dorsey. Sauter's arrangements were known for their innovative use of harmony and rhythm, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented arrangers in the industry. In 1952, Sauter formed a partnership with jazz composer and arranger Bill Finegan. The two men collaborated on several projects, including the album "The Atomic Mr. Basie," which won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance by a Large Group in 1958. Sauter and Finegan's partnership lasted for over a decade and produced some of the most memorable arrangements in jazz history. Sauter's work as a composer was equally impressive. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "Focus," which was commissioned by Leonard Bernstein and premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1961. "Focus" was a groundbreaking work that featured a solo jazz trumpet played by Thad Jones. The piece was a fusion of classical and jazz music and was well-received by both audiences and critics. Another notable work by Sauter was "Fanfares and Love Songs," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1965. The piece was a tribute to the city of Chicago and featured a brass section that included 12 trumpets, 4 horns, 4 trombones, and a tuba. "Fanfares and Love Songs" was a challenging piece to perform, but it was well-received by audiences and helped establish Sauter as a leading composer in the classical music world. Sauter's music was characterized by its complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and innovative use of instrumentation. He was known for his ability to blend different musical styles and create works that were both challenging and accessible to audiences. Sauter's music was also notable for its emotional depth and expressive power, which was evident in works like "Focus" and "Fanfares and Love Songs." In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Sauter was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities, including the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Miami. Sauter was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential as musicians. Eddie Sauter passed away on April 21, 1981, at the age of 66. His contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated today, and his innovative approach to composition and arrangement has influenced generations of musicians. Sauter's legacy is a testament to the power of music to inspire, challenge, and move audiences.

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