Thomas Daniel Schlee (born October 26, 1957) is an Austrian composer, arts administrator, and organist.
Life and work
Thomas Daniel Schlee was born in Vienna and studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna with Michael Radulescu and Erich Romanovsky. He then earned a PhD in musicology and art history at Vienna University. During 1977-78, Schlee was an auditor in Olivier Messiaen's composition class in Paris and studied privately with composer and organist Jean Langlais. Upon returning to Austria, he also studied with noted Austrian composer Francis Burt.
Schlee has taught at a number of Austrian universities including the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna and Salzburg University.
He began his career as an arts administrator by serving as the artistic director of the International Bruckner Festival in Linz from 1990-98. He served as the deputy director of the International Beethoven Festival in Bonn from 1999-2003. In 2004, he became the director of the Carinthischer Sommer.
As a composer, Schlee has written works in all forms which have been widely performed and recorded by ensembles such as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Warsaw Philharmonic. As an organist, he has made many recordings which have won awards including the Diapason d'Or and the German Record Critics' Award.
String Quartet Nr.4, op. 86 (2014/15)
Suite, op. 82 (2012/13) for violin and piano
Symphony No.2, op. 81 (2010/13) for large orchestra
"Rufe zu mir", op. 80 (2011/12) for organ and large orchestra
Horai, op. 79 (2011/12) for organ and chamber orchestra
"Was wir sind", op. 77 (2010/11), cantata for children's choir and orchestra
Wachsende Bläue, op. 76 (2010), for two solo violins and string ensemble
String Trio, op. 75 (2008/11)
2 Psalms, op. 74 (2004/10) for organ
"Tränen", op. 73 (2003/09), nine dances for piano
Concerto for piano and orchestra, op. 70 (2008)
"Ich, Hiob", op. 68 (2006/07), church opera
Sinfonia tascabile, op. 67 (2006) for orchestra
Konzertoverture, Musik für ein Fest, op. 64 (2005) for orchestra
Missa, op. 61 (2005) for baritone solo, mixed choir, brass, percussion, and organ
Die schöne Lau, op. 60 (2004) for soprano, speaker, and orchestra
String Quartet Nr. 3 "Tempus Floridum" op. 56 (2003)
und ich sah, op. 55 (2002–03) oratorio for soloists, chorus, and ensemble
Der Kreuzweg unseres Herrn und Heilandes, op. 52 (2001) for organ and string orchestra
Symphony No. 1, op. 51 (2000–01) for orchestra
De Profundis for viola and double bass, Op.43 (2000)
Der Esel Hesékiël, op. 46 (1998–99) for narrator and orchestra
Orchesterspiele, op. 45 (1997–98) for orchestra
Sonata da Camera, op. 42 (1996–97) for chamber orchestra
Licht, Farbe, Schatten, op. 38 (1995–96) for ensemble
Concertino, op. 36 (1995) for two piccolo trumpets (or oboes) and string orchestra
Wacht auf, Harfe und Saitenspiel, op. 35 (1994–95) for harp and string orchestra
Der Baum des Heils, op. 33 (1993–94), oratorio
Aurora, op. 32 (1992–93) for orchestra
Ricercar, op. 31 (1990–92) for orchestra
Cinq Pièces , op. 29 (1990–92) for organ
Das Feuer des Herrn, op. 27 (1989) cantata for soloists, children's chorus, and chamber orchestra
Alba for flute and viola, Op.26 (1986)
String Quartet Nr. 2 op. 21 (1983–85, rev. 1997)
... und mit einer Stimme rufen, op. 20 (1987) for orchestra
Decorations and awards
1982 Promotion Prize for Music of Vienna
1983 First prize in the composition competition of the Berlin Liedertafel
1985 winner of the Composition Competition of Erding
1989 winner of the Organ Composition Competition "Olivier Messiaen" Bologna
1990 Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters (France)
1997 Joaquin Rodrigo Medal
1998 Culture Prize of Upper Austria
2002 Church Music Prize from the city of Neuss
2003 Funding Prize for Music of the Austrian Federal Chancellery
2005 Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (France)
2007 Cultural Medal of Upper Austria
2010 Austrian Music Award
2012 Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art
2015 Grand decoration of honour in gold of the Federal State of Carinthia
