Zimmermann, Frederick (1906-1967)

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Full Name:

Frederick Alfred Paul Zimmermann

Alternate Name:

Fred

LC Authority:

Zimmermann, Frederick, 1906-1967

National:

American

Bass Tradition:

American

Activity:

Solo & Orchestra bassist, Conservatory Professor, Editor, Arranger, Art Collector, Painter, Sculptor.

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Chronology:

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Birth:

May 18, 1906, New York City, NY, US

Studied with:

Herman Reinshagen at the Institute of Musical Art, New York (later Juilliard School) ; Francesco Gamberini in Naples and Isaia Bille in Rome during a visit to Italy. Harlod Smith in London.

Awards:

Distinguished Leadership Award by the American String Teacher Association. Presented posthumously at the Music Educators National Conference, Milwaukee on March 31, 1973.

Orchestras:

New York Philharmonic 1930-1966 (as a principal bass and section member)

Professorships:

Juilliard School 1935-1967
Mannes College of Music
Columbia University
Manhattan School of Music
New York University
New School of Music in Philadelphia
Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut
National Youth Orchestra of Canada 1963-1964 [as a Coach]

Noted Students:

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Classical Field:

Georges Andre, Wyatt Bennett, Alan Birnbaum, Alvin Brehm, James Brennand, Orin O’Brien, Lucas Drew, Wilmer Fawcett, Martin Flowerman, Theodore Flowerman, Kenneth Friedman, Samuel Hollingsworth, Robert Gladstone, Murray Grodner, Joseph Gustafeste, Milton Kestenbaum, Linda McKnight, Barrie Kolstein, Samuel Kolstein, Donald Palma, Rip Pretat, Frank Proto, Robert Rohe, Stuart Sankey, Harold Shachner, Neil Stannard, Jesse Teiko, Marvin Topolsky, David Walter.

Jazz Field:

Eddie Gómez, Henry Grimes, Red Mitchell.

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Solos:

Double Bass Recital, New York, Roerich Hall, ApriI 20, 1932. [ debut recital ]

• Recital Program

Chamber music:

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Premiere:

Schuller, Gunther. Quartet for Basses (1947) – April 8, 1960 at Carnegie Recital Hall. Conducted by Gunther Schuller. Performed by Robert Gladstone, Alvin Brehm, Frederick Zimmermann and Orin O’Brien. The first public concert of a bass consort in the US.

Performance Parts:
Copied by Orin O’Brien in 1958, now located in Juilliard Library within David Walter Collection – Record Link

Recording:
Music for the Underdogs of the Orchestra. Newton Centre, MA: GM Recordings, 1984. LP – Record Link
3rd composition (16:40).
Performed by Robert Gladstone, Frederick Zimmerman, Orin O’Brien, Alvin Brehm, double basses.
Recorded July 1959.

• Audio – Redmp3
• Audio – Spotify

Review:
Walter, David. “Gunther Schuller, Champion of the Instrumental Underdog.” International Society of Double Bassists. VII, No. 3 and 4 (Spring and Summer 1981): 714-715.

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Recordings:

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Classical:

Prokofiev, Sergey, and Howard Swanson. Night Music. New York Ensemble of the Philharmonic Scholarship Winners. Dmitri Mitropulos conductor, Monaural, 33-1/3 rpm, viny1, Decca Records, DL 8511. LP. (1951)

[ F. Zimmermann is featured on this recording in Prokofiev’s Quintet and Howard Swanson’s Night Music, a composition for 10 performers including double bass. ]

• Prokofiev, Quintet – Audio
• Swanson, Night Music – Video

Jazz:

Alternate Takes. London, England: Sony Music, 2012. CD – Record Link

Track no. 7. Revelations : first movement (12:01) by Charles Mingus – F. Zimmerman performer (among others), recorded June 18, 1957 in New York.

• Revelations – Video

Bill Evans and Orchestra. n.p.: Gambit Records, 2005. CD – Record Link

Track no. 5. All set / Milton Babbitt (8:52)
Track no. 6. Revelations / Charles Mingus (12:02)
Fred Zimmerman, bass (tracks 5-6) Recorded June 10, 18 & 20, 1957 in New York at the Brandeis Jazz Festival

• All set – Video

All set – Notes:

Although classified as a Jazz composition, and along featured on a “jazz album” this piece composed by Milton Babitt features “a twelve-tone pitch structure using an all-combinatorial (12 tone) set.” Frederick Zimmerman is cited as a performer on this 1957 recording.

All Set – wiki
All Set – tripod

Practice Tapes:

Grillo, John. “CBC 155: Frederick Zimmermann Practice Tapes.” Contrabass Conversations – Double Bass Podcast. Recorded Phone Interview with Jason Heath. July, 2010. Blog Post.

• Contrabass Conversations – CBC 155
• Jason Heath’s Double Bass Blog – CBC 155

[ Post features an interview with John Grillo and the audio samples of the original Zimmermann’s practice sessions from preserved reel-to-reel tapes. An interview is available on the two sites managed by Jason Heath – Contrabass Conversations and Double Bass Blog ]

• Practice Tapes – Video featuring Allegro Deciso

[ One of the practice tape recordings, with music and score of Francesco Durante’s Allegro Deciso edited in video format ]

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Radio Interviews:

Zayde, Jasha. “Frederick Zimmermann and Orin O’Brien Play Duets.” WQXR, New York. n.d.

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Other Contributions:

Design and production of an improved German bow together with Samuel Kolstein

Article
Kolstein, Samuel. “The Kolstein-Zimmermann Registered German Bass Bow.” International Society of Bassists, V, no. 3 (1979): 511.

Formation of the first American bass consort ensemble and along the promotion, commission and creation of literature for the same group in scoring for trios, quartets and larger types.

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Basses owned:

Hieronymus Amati II, n.p., 1710. (Formerly owned by Isaia Bille)

Vincenzo Panormo, n.p., 1802.

Antonio Botti, Modena, 1852. (Formerly owned by Herman Reinshagen)

Bows

H. R. Pfretzchner, n.d. swan head model.

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Passing:

August 3, 1967, Ohlstadt, Germany (during a visit), resting place New York City.

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Obituaries:

“Frederick Zimmermann, 61, Philharmonic Double Bassist.” New York Times. 9 August 1967.

“In Memoriam : Frederick Zimmermann.” The Bass Sound Post. [no. 3] (November 1967): 24.

“Obituary–Fred Zimmermann.” Variety. 247: 13, 16 August 1967: 63.

“Obituaries.” Juilliard News Bulletin, VI : 1, November, 1967: 12-13.

“Obituary–Frederick Zimmermann.” Hi-Fi/Musical America, (November 1967): 17:11, MA14.

“Obituary–Frederick Zimmermann.” International Musician, 66:19 (October 1967): 6.

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Legacy:

“Fred Zimmerman / Charles Mingus Double Bass Competition.” November 19-22, 1981, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Article
Gellert, Karen Hansen. “The 1981 I.S.B. Zimmermann/Mingus Double Bass Competition & Workshop : November 19 – 22, 1981 Cincinnati, Ohio” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 1.

“Frederick Zimmerman Memorial Series and Memorial Collection” established by Lucas Drew at the University of Miami. Page Link

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Bibliography:

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Biographies – Online:

Biography Wikipedia – English

Biography Wikipedia – German

Articles:

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Personal Articles:

Zimmermann, Frederick. “Design for Study.” The School Musician. 36:30 (Jan. 1965): 29-30.

Zimmermann, Frederick. “The Art of the Double Bass.” Music Journal. XXIII:5 (May 1965): 40, 74-75.

Zimmermann, Frederick. “The Double Bass in Ensemble.” American String Teacher. XIV:4, (Fall 1964): 12.

Feature Articles:

Applebaum, Samuel and Sada Applebaum. “With the Artist: Frederick Zimmermann.” Violin and Violinists. 21:6 (November-December 1960): 239-242, 249.

Gladstone, Robert. “Fred Zimmermann: A Tribute / Robert Gladstone” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 16-17.

[ N.B. Bass World, VIII, no. 2, 1981 issue is not paginated, pagination extrapolated in this and other cited articles that follow ]

Kolstein, Samuel. “Mr. Z – by Samuel Kolstein.” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 11-12.

Mickman, Herb. “Bass Lessons with Mr. Zimmermann and Mr. Mingus.” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 21-22.

Slapin, Bill. “From Bach to Buisness and Back.” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 23.

Walter, David. “Mr. Z – A Personal Memoir by David Walter.” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 7-8.

Walter, David. “Noble Instrument.” International Society of Bassists. III, no. 3, (1977): 269.

Webster, Daniel. “Crusades for the Bull Fiddle.” The Philadelphia Inquirer. Sunday, (n.d.): Section 5, 272:52, 13.

Whitman, Alden. “Less Zum-Zum for Mr. Z’s Bull Fiddle.” The New York Times. 25 Jul. 1965: Section 2, CXIV:39264, 9.

Zimmermann, Frederick. “Illustration.” The New York Times. 4 Oct. 1931: section 8, LXXXI:26916, 8X.

Other Articles:

Gellert, Karen Hansen. “The 1981 I.S.B. Zimmermann/Mingus Double Bass Competition & Workshop : November 19 – 22, 1981 Cincinnati, Ohio” International Society of Bassists : Bass World, VIII, no. 2 (1981): 1.

Kolstein, Samuel. “The Kolstein-Zimmermann Registered German Bass Bow.” International Society of Bassists, V, no. 3 (1979): 511.

Edition Reviews:

Rives, James. “Orchestral Excerpts” in “New Bass Materials” The Bass Sound Post. [no.10] (October 1969): 28-29.

[ a review of Zimmemann’s Orchestral Excerpts from the Symphonic Repertoire for String Bass. New York: International Music Company, 1964 – see “Orchestral Studies” heading ]

Webster, Richard L. “A Contemporary Concept of Bowing Technique for the Double Bass.” Music Educators Journal 53.8 (1967): 113.

Concert Reviews:

“A Night for Bass Players.” The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. 1 March 1965.

“Chamber Ensemble.” The New York Herald Tribune. 10 Feb. 1953: CXII:38, 803, 23.

“Contrabassist Joins Contralto in Recital.” The New York World Telegram. 21 April 1932: 64:249, 16.

“Double Bass in Recital.” The New York Times. 21 April 1932, LXXXI:27, 116, 24.

“Frederick Zimmermann Gives Double Bass Recital.” The New York Sun. 21 April 1932: XCIX:197, 20.

“Frederick Zimmermann in Double Bass Recital.” The New York Herald Tribune. 21 April 1932: XCII:31, 203, 14.

Kraglund, John, “Mr. Zee Strings NYO Together.” The Toronto Globe and Mail. July 1964.

“Local Music Group Ends Second Year.” The New York Times. 10 February 1953: CII:34716, 24.

Luca, Sergiu, “A Bow for Every Occasion.” The New York Times : Arts and Leisure. 17 December 1978: CXXVIII:44069, 25.

“Music Notes.” The New York Evening Post. 21 April 1932: 131:133, 14.

Salzman, Eric, “Schuller Works Heard in Concert.” The New York Times. Saturday, 9 April 1960: CIX:3733l, 17.

Singer, Samuel L. “Bass Violin Concert Unique.” The Philadelphia Inquirer. 1 March 1965: 272:60, 20.

Thomas, Ralph, “He’s Not Fiddling Around.” Toronto Star. 1963.

Walter, David. “Gunther Schuller, Champion of the Instrumental Underdog.” International Society of Double Bassists. VII, No. 3 and 4 (Spring and Summer 1981): 714-715.

Music in a Journal:

Pergolesi, Giovanni Battista. “Trio for Double Basses : Larghetto” Bass World VIII, No.1 (1981): 757-760.

[ music – score arrangement of Pergolesi’s Sonata no. 9 for three basses by Frederick Zimmermann ]

Weinstein, Milton. “Phrygian No.2.” Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. Bass World VIII, No.1 (1981): 754-756.

[ music – published piece for solo bass and piano by Milton Weinstein, edited by Frederick Zimmermann ]

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Other Citations:

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Reminiscences:

Post by Paul Nemeth. Fred Zimmermann’s NY recital debut in 1932. “Bass Heritage Board” group, Facebook. December 28, 2016.

Post by Igor Pecevski. Leonard Bernstein conducting New York Philharmonic, 1967 video featuring possibly F. Zimmermann in bass section. “Bass Heritage Board” group, Facebook. January 7, 2015.

Post by Jonathan Cable. Letter from Frederick Zimmermann to Jonathan Cable. “Bass Heritage Board” group, Facebook, October 13, 2014.

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Dissertations:

Blumenthal, Jay S. Frederick Zimmermann: Double Bass Performer and Pedagogue. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 1983.

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Estate:

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Collections:

Frederick Zimmermann Collection of Double Bass Music. Music Division, New York Public Library.

[ consists of 13 linear ft. (52 boxes) ]

Frederick Zimmerman Papers 1933-1959. Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Columbia University.

[ correspondence with various painters related to Zimmermann’s art collection development, including letters from Albert Bloch, David Burliuk, Mrs. Nina Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Gabriele Münter ]

Frederick Zimmermann Memorial Collection. University of Miami, Music Library.

[ holding Zimmermann’s double bass trio and quartet arrangements donated to Lucas Drew by Dorothy Zimmermann, a widow of Frederick Zimmermann ]

[ further information at “Frederick Zimmermann Memorial Collection.” American String Teacher, XXIII:3 (Summer 1973): 7 ]

Zimmermann, Frederick. Artist File: Miscellaneous Uncataloged Material. , n.d.. Archival material. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). New York City – Record Link

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Legal Inventory:

Zimmermannn, Frederick. Property for the Estate of Frederick Zimmermann. Louis J. Marion Associates, Inc. , October 25, 1967.

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Letters:

Bernstein, Leonard. Letter from Leonard Bernstein to Frederick Zimmermann. n.d.

Drew, Lucas. Letter from Lucas Drew to Frederick Zimmermann, 18 Sep. 1966.

Elgar, Raymond, Letter from Raymond Elgar to Frederick Zimmermann, 1 Aug. 1966.

Hall, Sir Noel, Letter from Sir Noel Hall to Frederick Zimmermann. n.d.

Hertl, Frantisek, Letter from Frantisek Hertl to Gary Karr, 22 Jan. 1967.

Mennin, Peter, Letter from Peter Mennin to Frederick Zimmermann, 8 Nov. 1966.

Walter, David, Letter from David Walter to Frederick Zimmermann, 9 July 1966.

Zimmermann, Frederick, Letter from Frederick Zimmermann to a young bass player. n.d.

Zimmermann, Frederick. Letter from F. Zimmermann to Jonathan Cable. 1966 Bass Heritage Board, Facebook, 13 Oct. 2014. – Link

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Compositions & Editions:

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Compositions:

Zimmermann, Frederick. Andante. January 1933. Manuscript, f. 1030, Zimmerman Collection in NY Public Library.

[ For double bass solo. Unclear if an arrangement, or a personal composition. Perhaps a Tchaikovsky’s Andante issued by IMC, 1958. – located in NYPL F. Zimmermann Collection – scroll down to “f. 1030” ]

Editions:

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Solo with Piano:

Bottesini, Giovanni. Reverie: For String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1957.

Bottesini, Giovanni. Tarantella in a Minor for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1956.

Glière, Reinhold M. Intermezzo: Opus 9, No. 1, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1956.

Glière, Reinhold M. Prelude in D Major: Opus 32, No. 1, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1957.

Glière, Reinhold M. Scherzo: Opus 32, No. 2, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1958.

Koussevitzky, Serge. Chanson Triste: Opus 1, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1949.

Koussevitzky, Serge. Valse Miniature: Opus 1, No. 2, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1949.

Koussevitzky, Serge. Concerto, Opus 3, for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1948.

Simandl, Franz. Concert Study: In E Minor, Opus 66, for String Bass and Piano. Based on a motif by Joseph Hrabě. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City : International Music Co., 1956.

Simandl, Franz. Scherzo Capriccioso: Opus 72 for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1957.

[ based on Simandl’s Hohe Schule des Kontrabass-Spieles edition ]

Simandl, Franz. Tarantella Opus 73 for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1957.

[ based on Simandl’s Hohe Schule des Kontrabass-Spieles edition ]

Stein, Eduard. Concertpiece in a Major: Op. 9 : for String Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1957.

Weinstein, Milton. Contemporary Modal Solos: For Double Bass and Piano. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann. Coral Gables, Fla: University of Miami Music Publications, 1971.

• Audio – 12 Modal Solos
• Audio – Nr. 2 Dorian

Weinstein, Milton. Contemporary Modal Solos. Edited by Frederick Zimmermann and David Walter. Elmsford, N.Y: MMO Music Group, 1995.

[ Weisntein’s compositions and Simandl’s Concert Study cited also under “Concert Etude Editions” ]

Arrangements:

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Solo:

Bach, Johann S. Menuet (g Major). n.p, n.d. – Record Link

[ Attributed to J.S. Bach; composer unknown. Ms. in black ink with pencil markings. “0:59 without rpts.” ]

Solo with Piano:

Ayres and Dances: For Double Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. Coral Gables, Fla: University of Miami Music Publications, 1971.

[ arranged compositions by William Croft, Louis de. Tamborino, William Boyce, John Dowland, Francesco Durante ]

Three Sonatas for Double Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. Coral Gables, Fla: University of Miami Music Publications; sole agent: S. Fox, New York, 1973.

[ arranged compositions by Pergolesi, Croft and Caporale ]

Bach, Johann S. Adagio: From the Organ Toccata in C Major, S.564 : for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1965.

Bach, Johann S. Aria, from the Suite No. 3: For String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1958.

Bach, Johann S. Bach for the Young Bass Player. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann.New York: MCA Music, 1967.

[ 12 harpsichord pieces arranged for bass and piano ]

Bach, Johann S. Gavotte, String Bass Solo with Piano Accompaniment. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1938.

Bach, Johann S. Menuet G Major. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1940.

Bach, Johann S. Toccata. Organ BWV 564, C major, Adagio, Arranged by Frederick Zimmerman for double bass and piano. n.d., Manuscript, f. 341, Zimmerman Collection in NY Public Library.

Chopin, Frédéric. Maiden’s Wish. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1938.

Corelli, Arcangelo. Sonata : in D Minor: For String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1951.

Corelli, Arcangelo. Sarabande. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1938.

Croft, William. Sonata. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. [New York], 1965. Manuscript.

[ accompaniment may be missing – unclear Record Link ]

Dvořák, Antonín. Songs My Mother Taught Me: Gipsy Melody. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: Fischer, 1938.

Eccles, Henry. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. Sonata in G Minor: For String Bass and Piano. New York: International Music Co, 1951.

Fauré, Gabriel. Après Un Rêve: For String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New-York: International Music Company, 1950.

Fauré, Gabriel. Sicilienne Opus 78 for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1956.

Galliard, John E. Sonata in F Major, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1949.

Handel, George F. Largo. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fisher, 1938.

Handel, George F. Largo from Xerxes. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. Kansas City: Jenkins Music Company, n.d.

Handel, George F. Sonata in G Minor for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1951.

Marcello, Benedetto. Sonata, in A Minor, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International, 1949.

Marcello, Benedetto. Sonata in E Minor: For String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1951

Marcello, Benedetto. Sonata in F Major for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1957.

Marcello, Benedetto. Sonata in G Major, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1949.

Marcello, Benedetto. Sonata in G Minor for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1957.

Massenet, Jules. Mélodie: Op. 10. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1938.

Monteverdi, Claudio. Six Monteverdi Songs: For Double Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: MCA Music, 1968.

[ Piano realization by Alfred Mann ]

Mozart, Wolfgang A. Minuet, K.334, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1960.

Pergolesi, Giovanni B or Vincenzo L. Ciampi. Tre Giorni: Siciliana from Nina. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: C. Fischer, 1938.

[ Variously attributed to Pergolesi and V.L. Ciampi ]

Purcell, Henry. Aria for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1951.

[ Originally for soprano, 2 oboes, and continuo from the opera The Prophetess, or, The History of Dioclesian. ]

Tchaikovsky, Peter I. Andante Cantabile for String Bass and Piano Opus 11. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1958.

Tchaikovsky, Peter I. Barcarolle: Opus 37, No. 6, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music Co, 1958.

Vivaldi, Antonio. Sonata in A Major, for String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York City: International Music Co, 1966.

[ piano reduction by Karl Heinz Fuessl ]

Vivaldi, Antonio. Sonata No. 1 in B. Flat Major: For String Bass and Piano. Arranged by Frederick Zimmermann. New York: International Music, 1965. (1955)