Gerhard Samuel

Gerhard Samuel was a respected composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to 20th-century music. Born in Germany in 1924, he fled the Nazi regime and eventually settled in the United States. Known for his championing of contemporary music, Samuel held conducting posts with several prominent orchestras, including the Oakland Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Orchestra. He was a dedicated teacher and mentor to countless young musicians, and his own compositions often explored complex rhythmic structures and atonal harmonies. Several of his recordings, including Ives' "Universe Symphony" (completed by Larry Austin) and Schubert's unfinished "E major Symphony," showcase his commitment to bringing lesser-known and challenging works to wider audiences.

Beyond the podium, Samuel was a prolific composer, creating works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice. His music often reflected his interest in diverse cultural influences, incorporating elements of Jewish liturgical music and other folk traditions. He also had a keen interest in electronic music and explored its possibilities in several of his compositions. Throughout his career, Gerhard Samuel remained a passionate advocate for new music, leaving behind a rich legacy as both a conductor and composer.

Genres

Experimental

Folk

Electronic

Classical

Jazz

Contemporary Classical

Avant-garde

Chamber Music

Orchestral Music

Latest Release

Szymon Goldberg: Non-Commercial Recordings, Vol. 1

Gerhard Samuel•

StudioConductor

Album - 83 Tracks - Released April 1, 2013