Edgar Meyer: A Maestro of the Double Bass

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.

Edgar Meyer was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize in 2000.

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.

Collaborations have always been at the heart of Meyer’s artistic endeavors, further illuminating the depth of his genius. His longstanding partnership with fellow MacArthur Award recipient Chris Thile has yielded sublime musical offerings that push the boundaries of genres. The dynamic duo’s latest opus, a collection of all-new original material, is set to grace the airwaves, an eagerly awaited follow-up to their immensely successful 2008 collaboration on Nonesuch Records.

But Thile is not the sole beneficiary of Meyer’s artistic alchemy. The visionary bassist has engendered breathtaking musical unions, including a duo with the extraordinary Béla Fleck; a formidable quartet alongside the unparalleled talents of Joshua Bell, Sam Bush, and Mike Marshall; and an unforgettable trio with the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma and Mark O’Connor. The trio’s masterpiece, Appalachia Waltz, captivated audiences, scaling the dizzying heights of the charts for an unprecedented 16 weeks. Their enchanting melodies reached far and wide, as they graced the David Letterman Show and the televised 1997 Inaugural Gala.

Revitalizing their collective magic in 2000, the trio embarked on an extensive tour of Europe, Asia, and the United States, weaving yet another tapestry of musical brilliance with their timeless masterpiece, “Appalachian Journey,” which earned them a well-deserved Grammy® Award. Moreover, Meyer’s musical journey has been punctuated by unforgettable performances, such as his resplendent double bass and piano recitals alongside the illustrious Emanuel Ax. He has also forged a soul-stirring partnership with pianist Amy Dorfman, a collaborator of choice for captivating solo recitals that traverse the realms of classical repertoire and Meyer’s own mesmerizing compositions. Last but not least, the inimitable Mike Marshall has shared the stage with Meyer, forging an extraordinary duo that sparks musical fireworks, while the triumphant trio of Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer has delighted audiences across the United States, Europe, and Asia, their artistic synergy electrifying every corner of the globe.

Amidst his musical endeavors, Meyer continues to nurture the next generation of talent. Currently, he holds the position of Visiting Professor of Double Bass at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the city of Philadelphia.