RecentMusic - Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra New Releases

Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra

Hugo Winterhalter was an American easy listening music arranger and composer, famed for his years of innovate work in the realm of popular orchestral music. Born on August 15, 1909, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Winterhalter went on to achieve considerable renown in the 1940s and '50s. After earning a degree in music from the New England Conservatory of Music, he embarked on a career that saw him working with some of the biggest recording labels of the era, such as RCA Victor, where he served as the Music Director, and with prominent artists including Eddie Fisher, whom he backed on several hit records.

The sound of Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra was characterized by lush, melodic strings interwoven with gentle rhythms, often providing the backing soundscape for popular vocalists of the time. His orchestra's work is emblematic of the post-war easy listening genre, offering a sophisticated blend of classic melodies that were particularly beloved in the era's high-fidelity recordings. With albums like "Big And Sweet, With A Beat" and "50 Hit Movie Themes," Winterhalter brilliantly showcased a wide variety of cinematic and stage pieces, repackaged for the home listener. "Classic 20th Century Themes from the Stage & Screen" maintained this affinity for the grand and theatrical, while "I Only Have Eyes for You" featured romantic melodies perfect for the era's intimate gatherings. "Goes...Continental" is another testament to his artistry, celebrating European melodies and bringing them into the American musical fold. Winterhalter's prolific career and his orchestra's significant contributions added a rich layer to the tapestry of mid-century American music, before he passed away on September 17, 1973.

Genres