Daniel Schmidt

The Profile

American composer and instrument-builder (b. 1942) known for gamelan-related percussion works and for recordings made with Berkeley gamelan players between 1978 and 1982, later released decades after recording.

Born 1942 (as noted in reviews). Recorded with Berkeley gamelan players between 1978 and 1982. Reviews emphasize use of bronze and aluminum metallophones and a minimalist, ascetic approach to sound. Notable works include Abies firma, In My Arms, Many Flowers, and Cloud Shadows.

Two DeBaser reviews focus on Daniel Schmidt’s gamelan-related percussion works, praising their ascetic, metallophone-driven sound. Reviews note recordings made with Berkeley gamelan players between 1978 and 1982 and emphasize aluminum and bronze timbres. The writing links Schmidt’s practice to minimalism and close instrument craftsmanship.