Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 14, 1901

Death

:

November 7, 1998

 

Clair Omar Musser was an American composer, arranger, and percussionist who was born on June 15, 1901, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Musser began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the xylophone and marimba. He attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied percussion with Arthur Press and composition with Rosario Scalero. After graduating from the Curtis Institute, Musser began his career as a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He later joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, where he became known for his virtuosic performances on the xylophone and marimba. Musser also worked as a studio musician in Hollywood, playing on numerous film scores and recordings. In addition to his work as a performer, Musser was also a prolific composer and arranger. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, bands, and percussion ensembles. Musser's compositions are known for their melodic and rhythmic complexity, as well as their use of percussion instruments. One of Musser's most famous compositions is "Etude in C Major," which was written for solo marimba. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the instrument, featuring rapid runs and intricate rhythms. Musser also wrote a number of works for percussion ensemble, including "Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble" and "Three Sketches for Percussion Ensemble." Musser's arrangements were also highly regarded. He arranged a number of popular songs for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, including "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "Body and Soul." Musser's arrangements often featured his own virtuosic performances on the xylophone and marimba. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Musser was also a respected educator. He taught percussion at the Juilliard School in New York City and at the University of Michigan. Musser's students included a number of prominent percussionists, including Leigh Howard Stevens and Michael Rosen. Clair Omar Musser died on October 14, 1998, in Sarasota, Florida. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in the development of the marimba and xylophone as solo instruments. Musser's compositions and arrangements continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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