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Composer Performer

 

Allen Otte is a renowned American percussionist and composer, known for his contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on January 31, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Otte grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Otte started playing the drums at a young age and was soon drawn to the world of percussion. Otte attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied percussion with Russell Burge and James Culley. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Paul Price and Fred Hinger. In the early 1970s, Otte co-founded the percussion ensemble, Percussion Group Cincinnati, along with fellow percussionists Michael Ciesa and James Culley. The group quickly gained recognition for their innovative performances and collaborations with contemporary composers. They performed works by composers such as John Cage, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass, among others. Otte's compositions are known for their experimental and avant-garde nature. He often incorporates found objects and unconventional instruments into his works, such as bicycle wheels, tin cans, and water bottles. His compositions also often feature complex rhythms and intricate textures. One of Otte's most well-known works is "Eight Whiskus," a percussion quartet that features the use of whisks as percussion instruments. The piece was commissioned by the Percussion Group Cincinnati and has been performed by numerous percussion ensembles around the world. Another notable work by Otte is "Gamut," a percussion quartet that features the use of a wide range of instruments, including marimbas, vibraphones, and gongs. The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles. Otte has also collaborated with numerous other composers and performers throughout his career. He has worked with composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Frederic Rzewski, among others. He has also performed with ensembles such as the Kronos Quartet and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Otte is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at numerous universities and conservatories throughout his career, including the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of California, San Diego. Otte's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts grant. He was also inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2013. In conclusion, Allen Otte is a highly respected percussionist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His innovative compositions and performances have inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world. His dedication to education has also helped to shape the next generation of percussionists and composers. Otte's legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the world of music for years to come.

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