Role

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Composer

Genre

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Orchestral

 

Gary Geld was an American composer and songwriter who was born on November 12, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and his mother a pianist. Geld began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Geld attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he studied composition and piano. After graduating, he went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. In the early 1960s, Geld began working as a songwriter and composer for musical theater. He collaborated with lyricist Peter Udell on several successful shows, including "Purlie" and "Shenandoah." The duo also wrote the hit song "Sealed With a Kiss," which was recorded by Brian Hyland and became a top ten hit in the United States. Geld's work in musical theater earned him several accolades, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score for "Shenandoah" in 1975. He also received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music for "The Last Sweet Days of Isaac" in 1970. In addition to his work in musical theater, Geld also composed music for film and television. He wrote the score for the 1970 film "The Owl and the Pussycat," starring Barbra Streisand and George Segal. He also wrote the theme song for the popular television show "The Facts of Life," which aired from 1979 to 1988. Geld's classical compositions include works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1963, with Geld himself as the soloist. He also wrote a "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was premiered by the American Symphony Orchestra in 1971. Geld's chamber music includes works for string quartet, woodwind quintet, and brass quintet. His "String Quartet No. 1" was premiered by the Juilliard String Quartet in 1961. He also wrote a "Woodwind Quintet" and a "Brass Quintet," both of which have been performed by ensembles around the world. Geld's solo instrumental works include pieces for piano, violin, and cello. His "Sonata for Violin and Piano" was premiered by violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist Samuel Sanders in 1972. He also wrote a "Sonata for Cello and Piano," which was premiered by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax in 1979. Throughout his career, Geld remained active in the music community, serving on the board of directors for several organizations, including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the National Music Council. He also taught composition at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School of Music. Gary Geld passed away on August 10, 2018, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His contributions to musical theater, film, and classical music have earned him a place among the great composers of the 20th century.

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