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Daniel Schnyder Background Information
Biographical Overview
- 1961: Born in Zurich, Switzerland. Currently, he lives and works in New York City as a composer/arranger/producer/saxophonist
- 1996: Won the first prize at the International Trumpet Guild's Composition Contest
- 1997: Commissioned to write the opening orchestral piece for the official inauguration of the renovated concert hall of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- 2002: His album "Absolution" featuring his subZERO received a Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Small Ensemble Recording"
- Schnyder gives master classes in composition, chamber music, improvisation and saxophone. He also works as a consultant and producer for creative solutions and ideas in classical music and jazz, working closely with major festivals, promoters and ensembles.
"Daniel toured Europe and Australia with his trio, featuring David Taylor and Kenny Drew, Jr., playing the music of Gershwin, Bach, Vivaldi, Wagner and Ellington in addition to his own new compositions bridging the worlds of classical music and jazz." --Daniel Schnyder from his website biography |
Historical Context
- Written for David Taylor and the Absolute Ensemble under the direction of Kristjan Jarvi
- The piece "...weaves jazz, classical, world music, and contemporary elements into an astonishing musical tapestry" (Williams)
- subZERO premiered on September 16, 1999 with Taylor and the Absolute Ensemble at the Miller Theater at Columbia University in New York City
- As well as high acclaim, the Absolute Ensemble's recording Absolution which features Schnyder's subZERO received a 2002 Grammy Nomination for Best Classical Small Ensemble Recording
- Because of its extreme difficulty for both soloist and accompanist, whether it be piano or ensemble, subZERO is rarely performed outside of the professional vein