Baer Walter
(07. 04. 1928 - 16. 03. 2015)
Genre: Classical Music
Biography
* 07. 04. 1928 Zürich, † 16. 03. 2015.
- Studies at the Zurich conservatory (piano diploma)
- Composition under the tutelage of Paul Müller and later Rudolf Kelterborn
- Piano studies under Czeslaw Marek
- Musicological studies in various European countries and the USA
- Teacher of school music at a college in Zurich and a teacher-training seminar
1974 until 1993 - Head of the school music department at the conservatory and music school of Zurich
- Produced more than 80 works in various genres over the years, including some commissioned pieces; works performed nationally and internationally
- The piece "Meeting" won the first prize at the ten Swiss cities composition competition and was performed in 1976 at the Lucerne Festival
1985 & 1987 - Guest composer with performances at the Bowling Green State University's New Music Festival, Ohio (USA).
1992 - Prize for composition from the Union of European Choral Federations for "Der gefrorene Christ"
- Invitations to give presentations at schools of music and universities in Germany, Austria and Turkey.
- Several world premieres of large choral works at the Ljubliana Philharmonic with the Slovenian Chamber Choir and a series of various works for chamber orchestra in Sofia, Plovdiv and other Bulgarian cities.
Nov 2005 - Performance in the largest Swiss cities of the double concert "Cantus Gemellus" for violin and orchestra with the soloists Deborah Marchetti and Mario Hossen together with the Scala Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jean-Bernard Pommier
April 2007 - Performance of the commissioned piece "Ushuaia, Himno por la Paz" at the Ushuaia International Music Festival, Argentina, by the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Claude Villaret.
- Tribute to the composer by the city of Ushuaia
- Studies at the Zurich conservatory (piano diploma)
- Composition under the tutelage of Paul Müller and later Rudolf Kelterborn
- Piano studies under Czeslaw Marek
- Musicological studies in various European countries and the USA
- Teacher of school music at a college in Zurich and a teacher-training seminar
1974 until 1993 - Head of the school music department at the conservatory and music school of Zurich
- Produced more than 80 works in various genres over the years, including some commissioned pieces; works performed nationally and internationally
- The piece "Meeting" won the first prize at the ten Swiss cities composition competition and was performed in 1976 at the Lucerne Festival
1985 & 1987 - Guest composer with performances at the Bowling Green State University's New Music Festival, Ohio (USA).
1992 - Prize for composition from the Union of European Choral Federations for "Der gefrorene Christ"
- Invitations to give presentations at schools of music and universities in Germany, Austria and Turkey.
- Several world premieres of large choral works at the Ljubliana Philharmonic with the Slovenian Chamber Choir and a series of various works for chamber orchestra in Sofia, Plovdiv and other Bulgarian cities.
Nov 2005 - Performance in the largest Swiss cities of the double concert "Cantus Gemellus" for violin and orchestra with the soloists Deborah Marchetti and Mario Hossen together with the Scala Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jean-Bernard Pommier
April 2007 - Performance of the commissioned piece "Ushuaia, Himno por la Paz" at the Ushuaia International Music Festival, Argentina, by the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Claude Villaret.
- Tribute to the composer by the city of Ushuaia
Work list
Neun kleine Klavierstücke (1949-1990)
A light to intermediate piece, also suitable for tuition.
Duration: 13' 00"
Mobile (1966)
Instrumentation: for flute
Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript
Jauchzet dem Herrn (1967)
Instrumentation: for singing voice, organ, choir and orchestra
Duration: 19' 00"
Manuscript
Aufzeichnungen für Orgel (1967)
Instrumentation: for organ
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Two piano pieces.
Both piano pieces point towards two realms of experience. Free rhythmical sequences alternate with metrically fixed ones in the mourning song, whereas the hymn presents bold tremoli followed by fanfare-like unisono sounds. A clearly articulated space/time feeling is achieved by using unusual playing techniques.
Duration: 9' 30"
Both piano pieces point towards two realms of experience. Free rhythmical sequences alternate with metrically fixed ones in the mourning song, whereas the hymn presents bold tremoli followed by fanfare-like unisono sounds. A clearly articulated space/time feeling is achieved by using unusual playing techniques.
Duration: 9' 30"
Hades (1969)
Instrumentation: for female choir, percussion and instrumental ensemble
Texts: Manfred Züfle
Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript
Zmittst i de Nacht (1969)
A little Christmas music
Instrumentation: for children's choir and piano or organ (instruments ad lib.)
Texts: Walter Baer
Duration: 9' 00"
Instrumentation: for children's choir and piano or organ (instruments ad lib.)
Texts: Walter Baer
Duration: 9' 00"
Musikverlag zum Pelikan
Hug & Co. Musikverlage
Limmatquai 28-30
CH-8001 Zürich
Schweiz
Limmatquai 28-30
CH-8001 Zürich
Schweiz
Neun aleatorische Ereignisse (1970)
Instrumentation: for piano
Manuscript
Für eine Flaschenpost (1971)
Music
Instrumentation: for flute and piano
Duration: 4' 40"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for flute and piano
Duration: 4' 40"
Manuscript
From Unreality to Unreality (1972)
Instrumentation: for soprano, three flutes and three clarinets
Texts: Jorge Manrique, Paul Eluard, Georg Philipp Harsdörffer, T.S. Eliot
In this composition four texts from different authors, languages and historical origin have been used, but all bear on the same theme: the fragility of existence, the problem of the concept of reality. A work of meditation, floating and fragile, it hints at the irrational in both its vocal and instrumental sounds. The Soprano sings in Spanish, French, German and English.
Duration: 10' 00"
Expansionen (1973)
Instrumentation: for orchestra
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Meeting for four groupes of instruments (1974)
Instrumentation: for four instrumental groups (0.2.2.0/1.1.1.0/4-5perc/hp.pf/2vc.db)
This piece features differing instrumental groups manifesting three timbres. Together they form a connection with, and at the same symbolise, the various aspects of human behaviour. A fourth, less homogeneous group, gradually prevails.
Duration: 9' 30"
Five Movements for Clarinet, Violin and Violoncello (1974)
These five short movements require a very sensitive interpretation - already obvious from the detailed notation. Composed in an atonal style, it features rhythmic and articulatory differentiated structures.
Duration: 8' 00"
Desolatio Marsyae (1975)
Instrumentation: for three recorders (one player)
The 'Desolation of Marsyas' relates to the Greek saga. The simultaneous playing of two recorders is evocative of the Aulos with its double reed. It is possible to achieve a feeling of the desperate, tricky, competition between the aulete and the Apollon citharode by using various unconventional playing techniques.
Duration: 6' 30"
In die immer kühlere Welt (1976)
Instrumentation: for mixed choir
Texts: Max Geilinger, Kaiserin von Nijo, Julius Kurth, Spervogel, Pierre Trochu, Tse-Hgang Tsch'en, Max Wehrli, Franz Wellner
Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript
Somnium Daedali (1976)
Instrumentation: for tenor/bass trombone and piano
The Dream of Daedalus is a vision of the inventor of momentous creations such as flying machines or the labyrinth. We hear amorphous material confronted by predictable structures in several sequences. An extremely differentiated handling of sound.
Duration: 9' 40"
Sonatina Nostalgica (1977)
Instrumentation: for violin and piano
Duration: 12' 00"
(violin part: sFr. 10.80)
Message (1977)
Instrumentation: for alto transverse flute, English horn and basset horn
Duration: 14' 00"
Manuscript
Inventio Mercurii (1977)
Instrumentation: for violoncello solo
This piece is occupied with the discovery of the sonorous sounds of the string instruments (Hermes resp. Mercury discovered a rich sound, using the shell of a tortoise as a resonance chamber). Beginning with poorly resonating tones, and using appropriate playing techniques, the grand tone of modern instruments gradually developed.
Duration: 12' 00"
Psalmus Nonus (1978)
Instrumentation: for soprano, tenor, mixed choir and organ
Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript
Zwei Klavierstücke (1979)
Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Tria Skolia (1980)
Instrumentation: for clarinet and piano
A skolion is an ancient Greek drinking song.
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Cahier Anatolien (1981)
Instrumentation: for oboe and piano
Aulos, Tibia, Bombarde, Zurna.
Composed and published as a commission by Zurich city.
Duration: 10' 00"
Hug & Co. Musikverlage
Limmatquai 28-30
CH-8001 Zürich
CH-8001 Zürich
Cennet Cehennem (1981-1982)
Concerto
Instrumentation: for six wind (fl.ob.cl.Ebasx/drm/ hn) and two orchestras (1: pic.2.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/0.0.0.0/timp.2perc/hp/str/ 2: 0.0.0.0/3.3.3.1/2perc/str)
The title is Turkish and means 'Heaven and Hell'. It is also a synonym for a cave in southern turkey.
Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for six wind (fl.ob.cl.Ebasx/drm/ hn) and two orchestras (1: pic.2.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/0.0.0.0/timp.2perc/hp/str/ 2: 0.0.0.0/3.3.3.1/2perc/str)
The title is Turkish and means 'Heaven and Hell'. It is also a synonym for a cave in southern turkey.
Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript
Vestigia (1983)
Instrumentation: for two trumpets and two trombones
1. Signa
2. Muri et portae
3. Capharnaum
Three movements referring to various archaeological events in Israel.
Duration: 10' 30"
Manuscript
Souvenir de Brandebourg (1985)
Concerto
Instrumentation: for piano instrumental trio (flute, oboe, violin) and string orchestra
This work is based in its outward form on J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. This hybrid of piano concert and concerto grosso with flute, oboe and solo violin in concertino is also reminiscent of the Baroque composition technique.
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for piano instrumental trio (flute, oboe, violin) and string orchestra
This work is based in its outward form on J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. This hybrid of piano concert and concerto grosso with flute, oboe and solo violin in concertino is also reminiscent of the Baroque composition technique.
Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Pastorale (1986)
Instrumentation: for glockenspiel, vibraphone, xylorimba and wind sextet (fl.ob.cl/tpt.hn.tbn)
Requires only one player for the glockenspiel, vibraphone and xylorimba.
Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript
Aoide Seirenon (1986)
Instrumentation: for violin and piano
The siren song relates to the twelfth song in Homer's Odyssey. This piece in one movement expresses the dichotomy between the beautiful and the appalling. Despite the reference to mythology, the composition is not based on any key idea.
Duration: 10' 30"
Breitkopf & Härtel
Postfach 1707
D-65195 Wiesbaden
Tel. +49 611 45 00 80
D-65195 Wiesbaden
Tel. +49 611 45 00 80
Hegar-Variationen (1987)
Instrumentation: for violin and large orchestra (3.3(ca).3(bcl).2/4.3.2.0/timp.perc/str)
Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
For an Indian Summer (1987)
Instrumentation: for violin and harp
Duration: 4' 30"
Manuscript
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (1987)
Instrumentation: (2.2.2.2/2.2.1.0/timp/hp/str)
The violin concerto succeeds thanks to its sonorous and atmospheric sound world, and without a need to rely on traditional forms and structures.
Duration: 17' 40"
(violin part available from the SME: Sfr. 14.-)
Der Nussbaum. Musik zu einem Handpuppenspiel (1987)
Music for a puppet theatre
Instrumentation: for ensemble (flute, bassoon, timpani, drum, violin and five effect instruments
Duration: 30' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for ensemble (flute, bassoon, timpani, drum, violin and five effect instruments
Duration: 30' 00"
Manuscript
Elegie (1988)
Instrumentation: for horn quartet and string orchestra
Duration: 12' 00"
C'est d'Aucassin et de Nicolette (1989)
Instrumentation: for soprano, flute, harpsichord and cello
Duration: 22' 30"
Manuscript
Fragments of a Dream (1989)
Instrumentation: for alto saxophone and piano
The title relates to the dream experiences of Indians.
Duration: 13' 30"
(saxophone part: sFr. 14.40)
Der gefrorene Christ (The Frozen Christ) (1990)
Instrumentation: for soprano and mixed a-cappella choir
Texts: Gottfried Keller, Angelus Silesius
The simple notation combines with the texts by Gottfried Keller and Angelus Silesius, creating to produce a multi-faceted musical statement. The limitations of good vocal voice-leading presents high-demands in intonation.
Duration: 12' 40"
Thoughts about Mozart (1991)
Instrumentation: for piano
Duration: 17' 00"
Manuscript
La joie de vivre (1992/2004)
Instrumentation: for flute and string orchestra
Three different perspectives of a single picture bearing the same title by Picasso.
Préludes pour Antipolis - La danse des animaux - La danseuse nue.
String orchestra: 1.1.1.1.1 (all voices excluding the db are also divided).
Duration: 13' 00"
(Stimmenmaterial: CHF 41.40)
Ficta Facta (1994)
Instrumentation: for voice, mixed choir and thirteen instruments (or piano)
Texts: Hans Martin Huepp
Duration: 2h 00"
Manuscript
Ouvertüre zu einem ungewissen Ereignis (1995)
Instrumentation: for large orchestra (pic.2.2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.cbtba/perc.timp/2hp/str)
A piece for the fictive re-opening of the bricked up Golden Gate in Jerusalem. This gate plays a different role in the myths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Duration: 15' 00"
(orchestral material can be borrowed from the composer)
Three piano pieces
Widmung - Sonnenbild - Epitaph für Anton Webern form the first part of a cycle. The pieces differ in style and assertion. With a short commentary.
Duration: 9' 00"
Widmung - Sonnenbild - Epitaph für Anton Webern form the first part of a cycle. The pieces differ in style and assertion. With a short commentary.
Duration: 9' 00"
Babel (1996)
Quartet
Instrumentation: for clarinet in E-flat, basset horn and bass clarinet
As well as a symbol of self-indulgence (building of the tower) and speechlessness (confusion of speech) Babel also stands for hope and a longing for happiness. The musical core is created by the melody B-A-B-E-soL (sol = G).
Duration: 14' 00"
Instrumentation: for clarinet in E-flat, basset horn and bass clarinet
As well as a symbol of self-indulgence (building of the tower) and speechlessness (confusion of speech) Babel also stands for hope and a longing for happiness. The musical core is created by the melody B-A-B-E-soL (sol = G).
Duration: 14' 00"
Music Day (1997)
Fantasia
Instrumentation: for large wind ensemble
This entertaining piece was developed for an international brass band meeting.
Duration: 9' 00"
Manuscript
Instrumentation: for large wind ensemble
This entertaining piece was developed for an international brass band meeting.
Duration: 9' 00"
Manuscript
Three piano pieces
Integraal, The Sunpainter's Delight and Nachhall begin this series of short piano pieces with a short commentary.
Duration: 11' 00"
Integraal, The Sunpainter's Delight and Nachhall begin this series of short piano pieces with a short commentary.
Duration: 11' 00"
Minne ist so wunderlich (1998)
Songs
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB), mixed choir and four-handed piano
Texts: Johannes Hadlaub
Duration: 20' 00"
Instrumentation: for soli (SATB), mixed choir and four-handed piano
Texts: Johannes Hadlaub
Duration: 20' 00"
Three piano pieces
Prélude bien tempéré - Promenade plantée - Souvenir.
Duration: 13' 30"
Prélude bien tempéré - Promenade plantée - Souvenir.
Duration: 13' 30"
Instrumentation: for piano
Duration: 16' 20"
A travers les arbres (2001)
Trio
Instrumentation: for violine, violoncello and piano
Duration: 14' 30"
Instrumentation: for violine, violoncello and piano
Duration: 14' 30"
(Parts CHF 17.00)
Das Symposion des Xenophanes (2003)
Cantata
Instrumentation: for soli (AB from the choir) two choirs, flute, oboe, harp percussion and organ
Texts: Xenophanes von Kolophon, Marie Luise Kaschnitz
The two choirs are situated as far apart as possible. The vocal parts are demanding both for the soloists and the choir.
Duration: 38' 00"
Instrumentation: for soli (AB from the choir) two choirs, flute, oboe, harp percussion and organ
Texts: Xenophanes von Kolophon, Marie Luise Kaschnitz
The two choirs are situated as far apart as possible. The vocal parts are demanding both for the soloists and the choir.
Duration: 38' 00"
Winter Music (2004)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
1. On the Way
2. Winter's Tale
3. Koleda
Duration: 16' 00"
(Stimmenmaterial: CHF 32.40)
Orphische Gesänge (2005)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Multi-part, single-movement piece.
Duration: 20' 00"
concert
Instrumentation: for two solo violins and chamber orchestra (1.1.2.1/2.0.0.0/glock/str)
Duration: 10' 00"
Instrumentation: for two solo violins and chamber orchestra (1.1.2.1/2.0.0.0/glock/str)
Duration: 10' 00"
(Stimmenmaterial: CHF 32.20)
Ushuaia (2006-2007)
Himno por la Paz
Instrumentation: for symphony orchestra (2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/timp.perc/str)
Multi-part work in one movement.
Duration: 15' 30"
Instrumentation: for symphony orchestra (2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/timp.perc/str)
Multi-part work in one movement.
Duration: 15' 30"
(Stimmenmaterial: CHF 61.20)
Concerto (2007)
Instrumentation: for alto saxophone, string orchestra, harp, vibraphone and marimbaphone
Duration: 21' 00"
(Parts sold separately)
Evocation (2008)
Instrumentation: for string orchestra
Duration: 12' 00"
(Stimmenmaterial: CHF 23.40)
Konzertstück (2004-2009)
Instrumentation: for piano and large orchestra (2(2.pic).2.ca.2.bcl.2.cbn/4.3.3.1/timp.perc/hp/str)
Multi-part, single-movement piece with solo cadence.
Duration: 20' 00"
(Piano score: sFr. 34.-)
Klarinetten-Oktett (clarinet octet) (2010)
Instrumentation: for Eb clarinet, 3 clarinets in B, 2 basset horns, 2 bass clarinets
Nach Wahl transponierend oder klingend
Duration: 10' 15"
(Parts CHF 27.00)
Lichtspuren (2011)
Instrumentation: for harp and piano
This duo is composed of several parts differing in character, tempo and meter. The parts are to be performed atacca.
Duration: 15' 00"
Zwielicht (2011)
Instrumentation: for piano
Virtuosic single-part piano piece. The title refers to a lied by Robert Schumann.
Duration: 12' 00"
Discography
See Siang Wong: Swiss Piano Project (Musiques Suisses Nr. MGB CTS-M 143, 2014)
Kelterborn, Rudolf: Klavierstücke 1-6 (2001-2004)
Frank, Patrick N.: (.....) (2004)
Nick, Andreas: Menora, sieben Erleuchtungen (2008-2009)
Zinsstag, Gérard: Cinq petites études sur les résonances (2008)
Hoch, Francesco: Flashback (2009)
Neukom, Martin: Studie 19.4 (2009)
Fueter, Daniel: Slumberland (2009)
Wyttenbach, Jürg: ... innig beflügelt... (2009)
Mettraux, Laurent: Traces gravées dans le sable, M. 673 (2009)
Lehmann, Hans Ulrich: Klavierstück 2009 (2009)
Zimmerlin, Alfred: Klavierstück 11 (2009)
Steinauer, Mathias: kurzkurz© (Live at Carnegie), op. 24 (2009)
Baumann, Felix: ich und ich (2009)
Wettstein, Peter: 5 Facetten (2010)
Derungs, Martin: 5 Ausgänge (2010)
Marti, Cécile: changing five (2010)
Marti, Heinz: Méditation interrompue (2011)
Baer, Walter: Zwielicht (2011)
Rechsteiner, Franz N.: Ver-Fügungen (2011)
Ringger, Rolf Urs: So Tender was the Night (2011)
Wohlhauser, René: Morphologia - Polyphonia (2011-2014)
Marti, Valentin: Storr (2012)
Karrer, Bruno: Helle Seelen ohne Saum (2013)
Dayer, Xavier: Cantus I (2014)
With more works of: Thomas Läubli, Jannis Weggenmann, Jonas Bühler
Interpreters:
Wong, See SiangWorks:
Lehmann, Hans Ulrich: Drei Miniaturen (2001)Kelterborn, Rudolf: Klavierstücke 1-6 (2001-2004)
Frank, Patrick N.: (.....) (2004)
Nick, Andreas: Menora, sieben Erleuchtungen (2008-2009)
Zinsstag, Gérard: Cinq petites études sur les résonances (2008)
Hoch, Francesco: Flashback (2009)
Neukom, Martin: Studie 19.4 (2009)
Fueter, Daniel: Slumberland (2009)
Wyttenbach, Jürg: ... innig beflügelt... (2009)
Mettraux, Laurent: Traces gravées dans le sable, M. 673 (2009)
Lehmann, Hans Ulrich: Klavierstück 2009 (2009)
Zimmerlin, Alfred: Klavierstück 11 (2009)
Steinauer, Mathias: kurzkurz© (Live at Carnegie), op. 24 (2009)
Baumann, Felix: ich und ich (2009)
Wettstein, Peter: 5 Facetten (2010)
Derungs, Martin: 5 Ausgänge (2010)
Marti, Cécile: changing five (2010)
Marti, Heinz: Méditation interrompue (2011)
Baer, Walter: Zwielicht (2011)
Rechsteiner, Franz N.: Ver-Fügungen (2011)
Ringger, Rolf Urs: So Tender was the Night (2011)
Wohlhauser, René: Morphologia - Polyphonia (2011-2014)
Marti, Valentin: Storr (2012)
Karrer, Bruno: Helle Seelen ohne Saum (2013)
Dayer, Xavier: Cantus I (2014)
With more works of: Thomas Läubli, Jannis Weggenmann, Jonas Bühler
Info: www.fonoteca.ch
Sound of Zurich (Guild Nr. GMCD 7413, 2014)
Derungs, Martin: 5 Portraits (2011)
Fueter, Daniel: Nocturne (2013)
With more works of: Theo Wegmann, Willy Frank
Works:
Baer, Walter: Lichtspuren (2011)Derungs, Martin: 5 Portraits (2011)
Fueter, Daniel: Nocturne (2013)
With more works of: Theo Wegmann, Willy Frank
Info: www.fonoteca.ch
The Sunpainter's Delight (Guild Nr. 7241, 2002)
Baer, Walter: Passagen II (1997)
Baer, Walter: Passagen III (1998)
Baer, Walter: Erscheinungen (1999)
Works:
Baer, Walter: Passagen I (1996)Baer, Walter: Passagen II (1997)
Baer, Walter: Passagen III (1998)
Baer, Walter: Erscheinungen (1999)
Info: www.fonoteca.ch
Somnia Daedali, Kammermusikwerke des Schweizer Komponisten Walter Baer (Quantaphone Music Promotion AG, 1994)
Baer, Walter: Sonatina Nostalgica (1977)
Baer, Walter: Zwei Klavierstücke (1979)
Baer, Walter: Tria Skolia (1980)
Baer, Walter: Cahier Anatolien (1981)
Baer, Walter: Aoide Seirenon (1986)
Interpreters:
Eichenberger, UlrichWorks:
Baer, Walter: Somnium Daedali (1976)Baer, Walter: Sonatina Nostalgica (1977)
Baer, Walter: Zwei Klavierstücke (1979)
Baer, Walter: Tria Skolia (1980)
Baer, Walter: Cahier Anatolien (1981)
Baer, Walter: Aoide Seirenon (1986)
Konzertante Werke für Violine und Orchester von Schweizer Komponisten (Gallo Nr. CD 582, 1988)
Meier, Jost: Trames 1-4 (1969)
Baer, Walter: Konzert für Violine und Orchester (1987)
Works:
Martin, Frank: Concerto (1950-1951)Meier, Jost: Trames 1-4 (1969)
Baer, Walter: Konzert für Violine und Orchester (1987)
Info: www.fonoteca.ch
Last updated: 2020-10-06 16:48:10