Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 23, 1923 in Irvington, NJ

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Arthur Frackenpohl was an American composer, arranger, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on May 23, 1924, in Irvington, New Jersey, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so it was natural for Arthur to develop an interest in music from an early age. Arthur began his musical education by learning to play the piano and the violin. He later switched to the trumpet and became a member of his high school band. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied composition with Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson. During World War II, Arthur served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 71st Infantry Division Band. After the war, he returned to the Eastman School of Music to complete his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1948 and a Master of Music degree in 1950. After completing his studies, Arthur began his career as a composer and arranger. He wrote music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, wind bands, and chamber groups. He also arranged music for popular singers such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald. One of Arthur's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was his work as an arranger. He arranged music by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart for wind band, making their music accessible to a wider audience. He also arranged music for jazz ensembles, combining classical and jazz elements to create a unique sound. Arthur's compositions were characterized by their melodic and harmonic richness. He wrote music in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music. His works were often performed by professional ensembles and were well-received by audiences and critics alike. Some of Arthur's most notable compositions include his Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1962, and his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, which was premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1976. He also wrote a number of works for wind band, including his Suite for Band, which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1960. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Arthur was also an educator. He taught at a number of institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to achieve their full potential. Arthur Frackenpohl passed away on June 17, 2019, at the age of 95. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for years to come. His compositions and arrangements continue to be performed by ensembles around the world, and his legacy as a composer, arranger, and educator lives on.

More....