Six symphonies for band, the opera The Quest, and six decades of chamber music.
Born in New York City to German parents, Carl Vollrath attended Newton High School. He received a B.A. from Stetson University, an M.A. from Columbia University, and an Ed.D. from Florida State University. Vollrath studied composition with Ernst von Dohnányi, Carlisle Floyd, and John Boda. He served with the West Point Military Band at West Point, NY from 1953 to 1956 and was a music consultant in Miami, FL from 1956 to 1958. He joined the Troy University (AL) faculty in 1965.
Major works include six symphonies for band, an opera – The Quest – and a large collection of chamber music, all published by Tap Music. MMC Recordings has released three albums of Vollrath's works, including a two-disc album of clarinet works recorded by Richard Stoltzman entitled Jack's Fat Cat (2008). His most recent releases by Navona Records include Souls in Transitions (2019), The Unfolding Flute (2020), Transit Voices (2021), Old & New Poetry (2021), Old & New Poetry Vol. II (2022), and Siciliano and Fantasy for Piano & Orchestra (2025).
From a 1966 opera to recent concerti and song cycles.
Written during doctoral studies at Florida State University, this opera was premiered in 1966 and remained unavailable to the public for half a century before being released on YouTube, renewing interest in Vollrath's music.
A major contribution to the wind band repertoire, these symphonies showcase Vollrath's mastery of orchestration and his understanding of wind instruments.
Three piano concerti written in a neo-impressionistic style, influenced by Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Bartók's piano concerti, Eastern classical scales and folk music, and jazz piano. Vollrath regards these as "pastels" with a functional intention, evoking imagery in an abstract way.
Two clarinet concerti and a trumpet concerto inspired by Vollrath's trip with the Troy University Confucius Institute to China. "And Bugles Sang" explores the many ways the trumpet is used as a symbol throughout human history, drawing inspiration from Benjamin Britten's War Requiem.
A collection of contemporary chamber works showcasing Vollrath's experience writing for flute, including Absolution, Concert Piece, Flute Sonata No. 1, and The Glass of Absinthe.
Inspired by Andrew Robinson's book Lost Languages: The Enigma of the World's Undeciphered Scripts, these clarinet pieces are imagined as found archaeological objects, voices from long ago exploring existential questions about prehistory and human existence.
Musical settings of works by William Blake, Sara Teasdale, and contemporary writer John Gracen Brown. These pieces reflect Vollrath's belief in the interdependency of all life on earth, employing piano, clarinet, saxophone, and various vocal ranges.
Beginning with just the spark to write three trios, Vollrath created an intense yet reflective collection including "Buddha of the Future," "The Secrets of the Magdalenian Caves," and "Tombs of Ancient Times," moving through waves of contemplation on life, history, and spirituality.
Two volumes celebrating past events through musical narratives. Includes references to composers like Copland, Poulenc, Prokofiev, and Delius, as well as personal stories about Troy, Alabama, Christmas parties, and inspiring musicians. Praised by American Record Guide as approaching "his pieces with respect and care."
A two-disc album of clarinet works recorded by renowned clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, showcasing Vollrath's innovative techniques including his signature method of creating unique tones by wiggling keys while playing natural fingerings.
All major works published by Tap Music.
A working catalogue of publicly documented works, grouped by performing forces. Compiled from the Troy University Vollrath Archive and published recordings (checked October 2026). Dates are as given in archive records and may be copyright rather than composition dates; this is not a certified complete list.
A comprehensive discography spanning nearly two decades of recorded works.
Studio recordings and live performances from PARMA Recordings. Tap any video to play.
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York · July 15, 2024 · Presented by PARMA Recordings.
Heather Small, flute · Benjamin Crook, piano · Trio Casals: Timothy Schwarz, violin; Ovidiu Marinescu, cello; Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă, piano.
Program — tap a work to jump to it:
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