Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

May 15, 1907 in Elberfeld, Germany

Death

:

February 25, 2001 in Shushan, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Sigurd Raschèr was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 15, 1907, in Elberfeld, Germany. He was a saxophonist and a composer who is widely regarded as the father of the modern saxophone. Raschèr's contribution to the development of the saxophone as a serious instrument in classical music is immeasurable. Raschèr's musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the violin. However, he soon switched to the saxophone, which he found to be a more versatile instrument. He studied at the Cologne Conservatory and later at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik. Raschèr's early career was marked by his performances with various orchestras in Germany, including the Berlin Philharmonic. In 1939, Raschèr moved to the United States, where he continued to perform and teach. He quickly established himself as a leading saxophonist and became a sought-after performer. Raschèr's performances were characterized by his technical virtuosity and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. One of Raschèr's most significant contributions to the saxophone was his development of a new fingering system. This system allowed for greater flexibility and range on the instrument, making it possible to play a wider range of music. Raschèr's new fingering system was quickly adopted by other saxophonists and became the standard for the instrument. Raschèr's career was marked by numerous highlights, including his performances with the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also performed with many other orchestras and chamber groups throughout the United States and Europe. Raschèr was also a prolific composer, and his works for the saxophone are still performed today. In addition to his performing and composing, Raschèr was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of Massachusetts. Raschèr's teaching had a significant impact on the development of the saxophone as a serious instrument in classical music. Raschèr's contributions to the saxophone were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1982, and he was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1997. Raschèr's legacy continues to live on through his students and through the many recordings of his performances and compositions. Sigurd Raschèr passed away on February 25, 2001, at the age of 93. His contributions to the saxophone and to classical music as a whole will always be remembered and celebrated.

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