School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Peter Baumann

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Peter Baumann was born in 1953 in West Berlin, the son of a composer and an actress. When he was eight, the Berlin Wall was built. He attended the American/German Community School, where he learned English and first came into contact with American culture. At fourteen he played in a cover band in clubs for American soldiers. In 1971, aged eighteen, he met Christopher Franke and became a member of Tangerine Dream, succeeding the organist Steve Schroyder. With Edgar Froese and Franke he formed the core of the German electronic group.

Music and breakthrough

Two years later Tangerine Dream signed with Virgin Records. The first album there, Phaedra, reached the top ten in the Melody Maker charts. The group then toured the world for eight years and wrote music for a few films. Baumann left the group temporarily in 1973 and 1975, and permanently in 1977, shortly after the first American tour. In 1976 he had composed his first solo album Romance 76 while still touring with the band.

Influence

In the 1980s he founded the label Private Music, which released instrumental albums that were often regarded as new age, including by Yanni, Patrick O'Hearn, Suzanne Ciani and his old bandmates Tangerine Dream. He also released albums himself, such as Trans Harmonic Nights (1979) and Strangers in the Night (1983). Since the beginning of this century he has focused on science and philosophy concerning the human condition.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Phaedra by Tangerine Dream. Notice the electronic sounds and how they carry the music.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

Categories: Artists