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Paul DesmondAmerican alto saxophonist
Date of Birth: 25.11.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Paul Desmond
Paul Desmond, an American alto saxophonist, was born on November 25, 1924, in San Francisco, California. His full name was Paul Emil Breitenfeld, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist and organist who provided him with the foundations of classical musical education. Desmond's respect for classical music played a significant role in shaping his style as one of the world's greatest cool jazz saxophonists.
Desmond initially learned to play the piano and later picked up the clarinet in 1936. It wasn't until 1943 that he mastered the alto saxophone. During World War II, Desmond served in the military and spent three years playing in a military orchestra. It was during this time that he met pianist Dave Brubeck, also serving in the military as a gunner. Their meeting was fateful, and they began playing together. Initially, Desmond mistook Brubeck's use of G major chords in B-flat major for a lack of education, only later discovering Brubeck's innovative polyphonic approach to music.
The Brubeck Quartet and Desmond's Legacy
In 1951, Paul Desmond joined Dave Brubeck's trio, and together they formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which enjoyed tremendous success for over sixteen years. Desmond played lead parts alongside Brubeck and delighted audiences with his incredibly lyrical solo performances. Despite his unconventional appearance on stage, often leaning on the piano due to his weak health, Desmond's music, characterized by logical and rule-based improvisations, captivated many. His improvisations within a single theme could completely transform a piece of music while still adhering to the rules of classical harmony.
One of Desmond's most famous compositions during the cool jazz era was the composition "Take Five." However, in 1967, the renowned Dave Brubeck Quartet disbanded, and Desmond gradually faded into the background of the music scene. He collaborated with other groups and musicians but no longer enjoyed the same level of success as before. Desmond's declining health, largely caused by his continuous smoking habit, contributed to his retreat from the limelight. In 1977, at the age of 53, Desmond passed away from lung cancer.
Personal Life and Literary Talents
Paul Desmond's personal life was not as successful as his musical career. Although he had a close friendship with Dave Brubeck's family, Desmond struggled with long-term relationships with women. Despite having many admirers, his main passions in life were music, literature, whiskey, and cigarettes. Alongside his musical abilities, Desmond possessed exceptional literary talents. During concerts, he and the other members of the quartet often engaged in humorous improvisations, entertaining their audiences. Unfortunately, Desmond's untimely death prevented him from completing his book with the witty title "How Many of You in the Quartet?" The book's title would have been the phrase he most frequently heard from waiters, hotel staff, and porters.
