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Stories   >   Edgar Meyer....Maestro of the Double Bass / World Music Central

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Edgar Meyer....Maestro of the Double Bass / World Music Central

Posted: August 22, 2023

World Music Central's Claudia Taylor writes…..American bassist and composer Edgar Meyer was born on November 24, 1960, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This prodigious talent has effortlessly traversed a vast array of musical genres, including classical, traditional and progressive bluegrass, and jazz.

Meyer’s musical journey began in his hometown of Oak Ridge, where his father, Edgar Meyer Sr., helmed the string orchestra program for the local public school system. Under his father’s tutelage, young Edgar eagerly embraced the double bass, nurturing a profound connection with the instrument.

With each passing year, Meyer’s undeniable virtuosity on the bass and his gift for composition propelled him to new heights, solidifying his irrefutable place in the pantheon of musical luminaries. Recognizing his unparalleled technique, musicianship, and artistic ingenuity, he was bestowed the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1994, a testament to his exceptional prowess.

A maestro both on stage and in the realm of composition, Edgar Meyer stands apart from his peers, carving out a unique niche that defies categorization. His performances, resplendent with technical brilliance and emotional depth, transcend boundaries, captivating the hearts and minds of an adoring, eclectic audience. Such unparalleled distinction did not escape the discerning eyes of the MacArthur Foundation, which bestowed upon him the prestigious MacArthur Award in 2002.

As a solo classical bassist, Meyer’s artistry knows no bounds. His captivating performances can be savored on a myriad of masterful recordings, including a concerto album with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Hugh Wolff. This magnificent opus features the stirring Gran Duo by Bottesini, where Meyer’s nimble fingers dance in perfect harmony with the brilliant Joshua Bell. Additionally, Meyer’s own compositions grace this extraordinary album, including the breathtaking Double Concerto for Bass and Cello, performed alongside the revered Yo-Yo Ma. And let us not forget the resplendent Bass Concerto No. 2 by Bottesini and Meyer’s own Concerto in D for Bass, which beckon listeners into a sonic wonderland. Furthermore, a splendid album showcasing three of Bach’s Unaccompanied Suites for Cello resonates with ethereal beauty, expertly interpreted by Meyer’s masterful touch.

In 2006, he unveiled a masterful self-titled solo recording, an album brimming with his original compositions, weaving a tapestry of musical enchantment that seamlessly melds piano, guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo, gamba, and, of course, his beloved double bass. Recognizing his extraordinary recording achievements, Sony/BMG paid homage to his prodigious talent in 2007 with a compilation album titled The Best of Edgar Meyer. And who could forget the awe-inspiring collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolinist Chris Thile, and fiddler Stuart Duncan? Their groundbreaking work on The Goat Rodeo Sessions not only mesmerized the senses, but also earned them the prestigious 2012 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album.

However, Edgar Meyer’s creative genius extends far beyond his virtuosic performances. As a composer, he fearlessly explores uncharted territory, crafting musical marvels that defy conventions and stir the soul. A testament to his audacity, the Double Concerto for Double Bass and Violin received its resplendent world premiere in July 2012. Collaborating with the illustrious Joshua Bell at the Tanglewood Music Festival, accompanied by the esteemed Boston Symphony Orchestra, Meyer unleashed a composition that transcends the boundaries of imagination.

Meyer assumed the role of composer in residence with the Alabama Symphony, unveiling his third concerto for double bass and orchestra to a captivated audience. Not one to rest on laurels, Meyer orchestrated a triple concerto for double bass, banjo, and tabla in honor of the grand opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. This work, recorded with the esteemed Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, appears on the magnificent 2009 album, The Melody of Rhythm. Collaborations with illustrious artists continue to enrich Meyer’s musical tapestry. He has fearlessly joined forces with the legendary Béla Fleck and Zakir Hussain to craft unforgettable musical experiences, including a trio concerto that mesmerized audiences during their tour across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

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