Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 29, 1930 in Ratibor, Germany

Death

:

March 8, 2016 in Germany

 

Claus Ogerman was a German-born composer, arranger, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on April 29, 1930, in Ratibor, Upper Silesia, which is now part of Poland. Ogerman's father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so he grew up in a musical household. He began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Ogerman studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, where he received a degree in composition and conducting. He also studied with the renowned composer and conductor Igor Markevitch in Salzburg, Austria. After completing his studies, Ogerman began working as a conductor and arranger for various German radio stations. In the early 1960s, Ogerman moved to the United States and began working as an arranger for the jazz label Verve Records. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best arrangers in the business, working with artists such as Bill Evans, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Frank Sinatra. Ogerman's arrangements were known for their lush, romantic sound and their use of strings and woodwinds. In addition to his work as an arranger, Ogerman also composed his own music. His first album, "Gate of Dreams," was released in 1977 and featured his own compositions performed by a large orchestra. Ogerman's music was heavily influenced by classical composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as jazz and Brazilian music. One of Ogerman's most famous works is his arrangement of Jobim's "The Girl from Ipanema," which was recorded by Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto in 1964. The song became a huge hit and helped to popularize bossa nova music in the United States. Ogerman's arrangement featured a lush string section and a prominent flute solo, which became one of the most recognizable parts of the song. Ogerman also worked extensively with Frank Sinatra, arranging and conducting many of his albums in the 1970s and 1980s. One of their most famous collaborations was the album "Trilogy," which featured three separate suites of songs arranged by Ogerman. The album was a critical and commercial success and is considered one of Sinatra's best works. In addition to his work in the jazz and pop worlds, Ogerman also composed and arranged music for films and television. He worked on the scores for movies such as "The Graduate," "Goodbye, Columbus," and "The Seven-Ups," as well as TV shows such as "The Cosby Show" and "Twin Peaks." Ogerman continued to work as a composer and arranger throughout his life, even after suffering a stroke in 2006 that left him partially paralyzed. He passed away on March 8, 2016, at the age of 85. In conclusion, Claus Ogerman was a highly talented composer, arranger, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His lush, romantic arrangements and compositions have influenced countless musicians and continue to be celebrated today. Ogerman's legacy is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his passion for creating beautiful music.

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