A prolific composer, Paul Knopf draws from diverse movements in classical music and jazz. After
serving in World War II, he undertook classical studies in composition with Bohuslav Martinu and
Josef Schmid, a pupil of Alban Berg, and earned a bachelor’s degree for studies at The Juilliard
School and New York University.
Beginning from his roots in the bebop era and the jazz revival surrounding the beatnik scene in
the ’50s, he expanded his interests into Latin American, ragtime, New Orleans, swing, and blues
styles. In addition to his performance experience in jazz clubs and concert situations, he has
accompanied dance ensembles, led a music ministry at Greenhaven State Prison, and given workshops
for church musicians.
An innovator in Christian jazz worship since the early ’60s, whose original compositions and piano
improvisations are featured regularly at New York area churches (including Saint Peter's Church and
The Church of the Village), Paul continues to connect his creative vision with his commitment to
social justice.
Recent recording projects "Cabaret With Cabernet" and "Collage", feature his chamber music and jazz
compositions, respectively.
A melange of solo, trio and small-ensemble recordings, including original works and masterpieces by Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and others.
With this recording, Paul Knopf swings through familiar church hymns, a staple of his music ministry at Washington Square United Methodist Church in Greenwhich Village and the Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Midtown Manhattan.
Chamber compositions, including String Quartet #1, Sonata for 2 Flutes and Cello, and Tomochichi's Dance.
Jazz improvisations and chamber compositions, including Sonata for Violin and Piano: Journey of the Prodigal , and Fox Trot and Fugue (String Quartet #2).
Musical Theatre Pieces
The Ballad of Badass - a Blues Opera
The Cursing of the Fig Tree (for chorus, soloists and dancers)
John Wesley, God's Apprentice (an opera)
Brother Martin's Wanderjahre (an opera about Martin Luther)
Choral Works
Faith of a Radical (dedicated to A J Muste)v
A Setting of the Psalms
Aaron and Emma Mass (in Latin)
Magnificat (in Latin)
Chamber Music
Foxtrot and Fugue (for string quartet)
Fully Dressed Woman Ascending the Stairs (for string quartet)
String Quartet #1
Eight Bachelors and a Virgin (suite for violin and piano)