Gordon Sherwood

Full biography Gordon Sherwood

Gordon Sherwood was an American classical composer, born on August 25, 1929, and passed away on May 2, 2013. He was known in Germany as the "Beggar-Composer," due to his unconventional approach to making a living as a composer. His works exhibit various influences, including jazz and pop music, and have been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles around the world.

Sherwood's career took an unexpected turn in the 1950s when he began traveling extensively around the world and taking odd jobs, such as playing piano in movie theaters or writing film music in Egypt. However, he continued to compose, and in 1950, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra , under the conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos, premiered his "Symphony No. 1."

Despite being little-known in his native United States, Sherwood had a devoted following in Germany, where he lived for much of his life. His works were championed by numerous conductors and performers, and he was awarded the "Bavarian State Prize" for music in 1975.

Sherwood had quite a story to tell, and his life and music have been the subject of numerous publications and recordings. He was known for his unconventional approach to composition and his ability to blend various influences into a unique and personal style. Despite his unconventional approach to making a living, Sherwood left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, and his works continue to be performed and admired today.