A Tribute to Mahler : Resurges - Based on a hymn tune from 2nd Symphony by Gustav Mahler

The poem "The Resurrection" by Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock was set to music by Gustav Mahler in the fifth movement of his Second Symphony, known as the "Resurrection." The central passage from Mahler's musical adaptation was incorporated into "A Tribute to Mahler," a composition created in homage to Mahler, 100 years after his death. Powerful brass tones and delicate woodwind melodies alternate in a Mahleresque manner with horn and trumpet signals from a distance. The choir is delicately complemented by the solo alto saxophone. "A Tribute to Mahler" aims to, like a continuation "after a short repose," offer us a glimpse into the blissful world to which we will all eventually journey.

Hero

„Hero“, a piece commissioned by the Orchestre d'Harmonie de Digoin, expresses the concept of heroism in its most comprehensive sense. The composition opens with a majestic introduction, where the rhythmic motif played by the brass section gradually fades, giving way to a more lively Allegro. A new theme unfolds through the skillful use of different tempos, keys, and timbres, culminating at the end of the composition in a grandiose finale.  

Hero

„Hero“, a piece commissioned by the Orchestre d'Harmonie de Digoin, expresses the concept of heroism in its most comprehensive sense. The composition opens with a majestic introduction, where the rhythmic motif played by the brass section gradually fades, giving way to a more lively Allegro. A new theme unfolds through the skillful use of different tempos, keys, and timbres, culminating at the end of the composition in a grandiose finale.

Something new to believe in

When Nature strikes back : Five minutes to Twelve

When Nature strikes back : Five Minutes to Twelve

When Nature strikes back : Five Minutes to Twelve

When Nature strikes back : Five Minutes to Twelve

Collection for Brass Quartet : 6 Original Pieces for Brass Quartet

And we’re off! Otto M. Schwarz takes us on a tour of his native Austria in this six-movement work. Passing by the great landmarks of this beautiful country we’re travelling by narrow-gauge railway, by car and finally by high-speed train. Fabled castles, famous gardens in Salzburg (the Mirabell Gardens) and Vienna or the Schloss Esterházy, the palace in Burgenland, where Joseph Haydn worked for many years, are just as important as the mode of transport. As the saying goes, the journey is its own reward.

Collection for Clarinet Quartet : 6 Original Pieces for Clarinet Quartet

And we’re off! Otto M. Schwarz takes us on a tour of his native Austria in this six-movement work. Passing by the great landmarks of this beautiful country we’re travelling by narrow-gauge railway, by car and finally by high-speed train. Fabled castles, famous gardens in Salzburg (the Mirabell Gardens) and Vienna or the Schloss Esterházy, the palace in Burgenland, where Joseph Haydn worked for many years, are just as important as the mode of transport. As the saying goes, the journey is its own reward.

Collection for Saxophone Quartet : 6 Original Pieces for Saxophone Quartet

And we’re off! Otto M. Schwarz takes us on a tour of his native Austria in this six-movement work. Passing by the great landmarks of this beautiful country we’re travelling by narrow-gauge railway, by car and finally by high-speed train. Fabled castles, famous gardens in Salzburg (the Mirabell Gardens) and Vienna or the Schloss Esterházy, the palace in Burgenland, where Joseph Haydn worked for many years, are just as important as the mode of transport. As the saying goes, the journey is its own reward.

Hommage! : Fanfare & Hymn

„Hommage!" is a festive composition that commences with an imposing fanfare in the deep brass register, gradually allowing all instruments of the orchestra to shine. A delicate melodic passage in the woodwind register forms the emotional centerpiece of the piece. This simple anthem, styled as a ballad, returns to the initial theme and culminates once again in powerful closing chords. The composition serves as a tribute to all musicians and conductors who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the world of wind orchestra music with passion and dedication.

That's Brass

This work is dedicated to the Blechreiz brass quintet on their 10th anniversary. Each musician is pushed to the limits in this very challenging composition. Rhythmically exposed passages that mesh together in a continuous sixteenth-note groove, alternate with solo passages and a catchy chorus. In the middle of the composition a waltz suddenly sounds—but the ensemble is brought to its senses by the tube player’s evident disapproval and the music soon returns to the original style. Demanding, tongue-in-cheek and witty passages with a funky groove are the ingredients of this new work by Otto M. Schwarz for brass quintet.

A Tribute to Mahler : Resurges - Based on a hymn tune from 2nd Symphony by Gustav Mahler

Nostradamus

Nostradamus was one of humankind’s greatest prophets. Many of his coded prophecies proved true. He lived at the time of the inquisition, and his predictions and medical therapies as a physician made him face consequences from the church. After he had been forced to flee several times and had lost his family to the plague, he devoted himself to clairvoyance. He wrote down many events in history in coded predictions. Although there is probably more than one possible way of interpretation, in our world, Nostradamus is still considered to be a unique personality. Whether he is degraded to a charlatan or turned into a myth, he surely has moved humankind with his prophecies. Otto M. Schwarz, soundtrack composer since 2001, wrote a cinematographic work about this man, who is probably the best-known prophet of the last 1000 years.

Panorama : Act. II From the Sleeping Beauty - Ballet Suite, Op. 66 (Extracts)

Panorama from the Ballet "Sleeping Beauty“. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet suite "Sleeping Beauty" premiered in St. Petersburg in 1890. To this day, "Sleeping Beauty" remains one of the most popular ballets and is a staple in the classical ballet repertoire. The panorama from the 2nd act of the ballet suite depicts the joint journey of the young, enamored Prince Désiré with the Lilac Fairy through an enchanted forest to his beloved Aurora, whom he wishes to marry. Throughout this enchanting scene, a magical and mysterious music unfolds.

Side Paths

This symphonic wind orchestra piece is a homage to the painting "Main Path and Side Paths" by the painter and graphic artist Paul Ernst Klee. At the center of the painting runs a straight main path in vibrant colors, surrounded by irregular side paths that are nevertheless held in similar color tones. Just like in the painting, the piece repeats a short motif in various variations, while the surroundings of this motif constantly change, similar to the side paths in the painting. The color gradients and paths of the painting are considered an allegory of human life. Just as in our lives, ideas, goals, and desires constantly change, our path often leads through different routes. Even when we pursue a great goal, we usually reach it only through numerous detours and sometimes unexpected diversions. The piece carries a deep message of hope with a second theme: it encourages us to hold on to our dreams and pursue them with unwavering determination, even if the path is marked by unexpected turns and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is an ode to the youth around the world who are still at the beginning of their journey to realize their dreams. May it give them the strength and determination to continue their path undeterred even in the midst of the greatest challenges.

Juvavum Fanfare

The Juvavum Fanfare was composed for the closing concert of the first part-time University course in Wind Orchestra Conducting at the renowned Mozarteum University Salzburg, which took place from 2019 to 2021 for the first time. This celebratory opening composition is dedicated to the esteemed course instructor and conductor, Martin Fuchsberger, as well as to all the graduates who successfully completed this program. The name of the fanfare, "Juvavum," derives from the ancient Roman name for Salzburg. This connection to Salzburg is not only evident in the premiere of the piece at the Mozarteum Salzburg but also in its musical depth. Thematically, the initial fanfare and subsequent lyrical section draw from the melody of Salzburg's regional anthem, "Land uns'rer Väter." The majestic fanfare echoes the opening intervals of this anthem. From bar 27 onward, a direct citation of the melodic theme can be heard. Both the fanfare motifs and the vocal lines of this anthem are eventually brought together in an exhilarating final section. The Juvavum Fanfare is ideally suited to ceremonially open concerts and provides an engaging experience for both listeners and musicians alike due to its appropriate length.

Peace : for Bb Flugel Horn or F Horn & Organ (Piano)

Whether inner peace, the peace of one’s own four walls, or peace between nations—the strive for peace is always worth fighting for, even when it seems almost impossible to achieve. This simple and soulful melody, played on the horn and trombone, should contribute ever so slightly to making the world a more peaceful place.

Back on Track

Back on Track is a spectacular composition for Concert Band. Otto M. Schwarz composed an opening fanfare for the beginning, which can also be played as a short ‘teaser’ at festive events. A motif is treated through various rhythms and time signatures and leads to an epic finale, splendidly brought to life by the glorious timbres of the brass.

Renaissance Suite : 6 Original Pieces for Brass Quintet

Who doesn’t know the great masters of this era, such as Tilman Susato – or even Johann Sebastian Bach, who arrived on the scene a little later? Six very varied movements together comprise Arthur Binder’s Renaissance Suite. These movements lend themselves to all sorts of occasions throughout the year. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Renaissance period and take a trip back to the era.

Suite for Saxophone Quartet No. 1 : 6 Original Pieces for Saxophone Quartet

In this suite we are immersed in the musical world of Otto M. Schwarz in all its variety. From light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek, through wild-romantic elements all the way to stylistic imitation and complex rhythmic passages, this work combines many different facets. In performance, this suite is sure to be an entertaining experience for musician and listener alike. The movements can be played sequentially or individually, as desired.

Austrian Folk Fusion

The composition 'Austrian Folk Fusion' vividly illustrates how old and new can harmoniously blend together. Traditional music serves as a solid foundation for creative developments and modern interpretations. This is demonstrated in the composition through the transition from traditional Ländler to contemporary rhythms. Skillful changes in tempo and meter, as well as diverse variations in motifs, support the journey from the traditional sounds to the modern musical language.