Markus Burger
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Markus Burger | |
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 Burger in mid-2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | September 30, 1966 Wittlich, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
| Origin | Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Genres | Jazz, new-age, chamber |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, music educator, record producer |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | Challenge Records, Jazzline, Cadence Jazz, Edition Hänssler |
| Website | markusburger.com |
Markus Burger (born September 30, 1966) is a German pianist, composer, and music educator. He directs the Music Technology Studies program at Fullerton College and is known for blending classical music, jazz, and improvisation in his work.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Burger began playing piano at age six.[citation needed] He studied at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, under the guidance of Peter Herborn, John Taylor, Simon Nabatov, and Uli Beckerhoff.[2] He also received a scholarship to the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada.[citation needed]
Career
[edit]Burger has performed as a soloist and in collaborations across jazz, classical music, and other genres.[citation needed] In 2016, Challenge Records released a live recording featuring Burger with Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Stefan Lottermann, Jan von Klewitz, Felix Astor, and Martin Gjakonovski.[citation needed]
Burger founded the trio Accidental Tourists, which recorded for Challenge Records.[3] He also founded the European Quartet Septer Bourbon, which recorded for Jazzline Records, and the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance.[citation needed] His collaboration with saxophonist Jan von Klewitz, under the name Spiritual Standards, has resulted in five album releases on Jazzline and Challenge Records, blending jazz with classical influences and spiritual themes.[citation needed]
Burger is a full professor at Fullerton College, where he also serves as the director of the Music Technology Studies program.[4] He has also worked as an adjunct professor of music entrepreneurship, piano, and composition at San Diego State University (SDSU).[5]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 1989, Burger won the Jazz Piano Competition in Rhineland-Palatinate.[citation needed]
In 1993, he was a finalist at the Martial Solal Competition in Paris.[citation needed]
In 1997, he was a finalist at the Composers Competition in Monaco.[citation needed]
In 2000, Burger received the Bach Prize from the City of Erfurt.[citation needed]
In 2019, Bösendorfer recognized Burger as one of its featured pianists.[citation needed]
In 2020, Burger won the Culture Prize of his home county, Bernkastel-Wittlich.[citation needed]
Burger continues to perform and educate in contemporary jazz, incorporating genre blending in his compositions and performances.[6]
Health struggles and artistic development
[edit]From 1999 to 2002, Burger experienced a serious illness that influenced his artistic direction. During this period, he recorded the solo piano album Ultreya, a work reflecting his experiences.[citation needed]
Discography
[edit]- 1996 Fishing for Compliments – Septer Bourbon
- 1999 Spiritual Standards – with Jan von Klewitz
- 2000 Spiritual Standards [Secunda] – with Jan von Klewitz
- 2001 The Smile of the Honeycakehorse – Septer Bourbon
- 2002 Ultreya
- 2004 Genesis – Markus Burger, John Tchicai & Matt Marucci (Cadence Jazz Records)
- 2005 Inside.Outside – with Jan von Klewitz
- 2006 NAJA – North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
- 2007 Tertia – with Jan von Klewitz
- 2007 Vesprae – Ensemble Katharsis
- 2008 Quarta - Spiritual Standards from the New World – with Jan von Klewitz
- 2012 Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Joe LaBarbera (drums), Bob Magnusson (bass) (Challenge Records)
- 2016 Accidental Tourists: The Banff Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet), Jan von Klewitz (saxophonist), Norma Winstone (vocals) (Challenge)
- 2018 Spiritual Standards Quinta, Songs inspired by Martin Luther (Challenge Records)
- 2019 Accidental Tourists: The Alaska Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Bob Magnusson (bass), Peter Erskine (drums) (Challenge Records)
- 2022 The Vienna Sessions – Markus Burger Solo (Challenge Records)
References
[edit]- ^ "Archer, Malcolm David, (born 29 April 1952), Director of Chapel Music, Winchester College, since 2007", Who's Who, Oxford University Press, 2007-12-01, doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u5658, retrieved 2025-04-28
- ^ "Markus Burger | Folkwang Jazz" (in German). Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ Silsbee, Kirk (March 2013). "Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions". Down Beat. Vol. 80, no. 3. p. 66.
- ^ Department, Fullerton College Music. "Markus Burger | Faculty | FC Music". music.fullcoll.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-22.
- ^ "Markus Burger". music.sdsu.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
- ^ "Markus Burger (USA)". Home (in German). Retrieved 2025-03-26.
- Christoph Spendel, Tastenwelt, March 2022, pp. 12, 13, 16–19.
- Ilse Rosenschild, Trierischer Volksfreund, June 28, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Accidental Tourists Trio
- North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
- Spiritual Standards
- The Vienna Sessions Review
- Markus Burger on Bösendorfer
- Markus Burger on Blüthner
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