CHARLES DAVID DENLER
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​EMMY WINNING composer / pianist

music awards / recognitions

Emmy Award 2022 - PORTRAITS IN SEASON live

Emmy Award 2019 - WILD MUSTANG SUITE

Emmy Award 2005 - BEYOND THE MEDAL OF HONOR

Emmy Award 2004 - BENTLEY CREEK

​Gold Medal 2019 - Global Music Awards: WILD MUSTANG SUITE

Roundglass Award 2018 - ONE DROP BECAME AN OCEAN

Silver Medal 2017 - Global Music Awards: ONE DROP BECAME AN OCEAN

Gold Medal 2016 - Global Music Awards: MOMENT AT DAWN

Best Neoclassical Album 2022 - One World Music Awards : PORTRAITS IN SEASON live

Special Jury Remi Award 2015 - Worldfest Houston: PORTRAITS OF COLORADO

Jean Ribaut Award 2011 - Beaufort International Film Festival

Jury Choice Gold Medal 2010 - Park City Film Music Festival: TEENAGE WITNESS

Gold Medal 2010 - Park City Film Music Festival: I AM

Gold Camera Award - THE CLOCK, Exploria Productions / Producers Two

Gold Vision Award - THE VR KID, Exploria Productions

Silver Screen Award - THE VR KID, Exploria Productions

Silver Telly - CBIA, Motion Inc.

Bronze Telly - LA JACKETTA VERDI, ESPN

MOTION PICTURES

HENRY & ME
Barrett Esposito, dir - Cast: Richard Gere, Chazz Palminteri, Danny Aiello, Cyndi Lauper, Jose Feliciano,
Paul Simon, Reggie Jackson, Hank Steinbrenner and the current Yankee Baseball Team

HAMLET & HUTCH
Carelton Holt, dir - Cast: Burt Reynolds, Elizabeth Leiner, Terri J. Vaughn

BRUNO SAMMARTINO, La Mia Mama
Frank E. Johnson, dir - Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruno Sammartino


ENEMY OF THE REICH
Robert Gardner, dir - Cast: Helen Mirren

AMAZING RACER / SHANNON'S RAINBOW
Frank E. Johnson, dir - Cast: Claire Forlani, Daryl Hannah, Louis Gossett Jr., Steve Guttenberg,
Charles Durning

MIRROR OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD
Robert Gardner, dir - Cast: Susan Sarandon

CAROLINA'S CALLING
Michael Saquella, dir - Cast: Antonio Sabato Jr.

GET HER

William Byron Hillman, dir - Cast: Jean Claude Leuyer, Allessandro Folchitto

UNSUNG
Monkeys’ Uncle Productions, Cast: Richard Dreyfuss

FINAL SONG
Crystal Sky Pictures, Jon Voight, Steven Paul, prod - Cast: Bonnie Paul, Joey Lanai

TEENAGE WITNESS (Jury Choice Gold Medal: Park City Film Music Festival)
Ed Wiseman, dir - Cast: Richard Gere

LAB RATS
Sam Washington, dir

ISOLATED
Alias Film Works, Cast: Peter Quartaroli

I AM (Gold Medal: Park City Film Music Festival)
16:15 The GC Media Project, Cast: Kiko Ellsworth

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Robert Conrad Productions, Cast: Chase Masterson

THE PRANKSTER
Tony Vidal, dir - Cast: Ken Davitian, Devon Werkheiser

DRIVE LIKE HELL
ETV Productions

THE DECOY
Higgens/Kreinbrink Productions

LYCIAN
DeMarsh Studios

DANNY BOY
Monkeys’ Uncle Productions, Cast: Clint Howard

THE GREAT SEA (IMAX Feature)
Institute for Exploration/Dr. Robert Ballard

BUDDHA WILD (Feature Documentary)
Carpe Diem Films, Cast: Anna Wilding

BED OF DREAMS
Main Man Productions, Cast: Collin Cheadle

TELEVISION / SERIES / COMMERCIALS / PROMO

STARZ! KIDS’ NETWORK (Main Theme)
Starz! Encore Television

IN EVERY LIVING THING
Disney

HONDA - Mr. Opportunity (Commercial)
Rubin Postaer and Associates

BRUSH OF HONOR (Television Series - 10 episodes)
The Inspiration Network / Austin Street Productions

TAKE THE FIELD (Main Theme)
Colorado Rockies Baseball Team

GUESS THIS SOUND
Starz! Encore Television

OPRAH
Harpo Productions


DATELINE
NBC

AMERICAN CHOPPER

Discovery Channel

DIRTY JOBS
Discovery Channel

COCA COLA: THE RIVER (Promotional)
Coca Cola / Motion Inc

NASA: Thirty Years Later
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

COLORADO TOURISM 2012: A Sole Calefiere (Commercial)
Karsh Hagan

COLORADO TOURISM 2013: A Walk In The White Forest (Commercial)
Karsh Hagan

WYOMING TOURISM 2013: Forever West (Commercial)

AROUND THE WORLD
Starz! Encore Television

TRAVELERS
​Motion Inc.

UNITED STATES MARINES (Promotional)
Good-To-Go Video

THE TITANIC REVISITED (Promotional)
Institute For Exploration / Dr. Robert Ballard

TELEVISION – DOCUMENTARIES

BENTLEY CREEK (Emmy Award)
PBS / ETV Productions

COMANCHE WARRIORS
The History Channel / Digital Ranch

ONE LIFE IN A DESERT SEA
National Geographic Television

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
The History Channel / Digital Ranch

MIRACLE IN THE PACIFIC
National Geographic Television

PORTRAITS OF COLORADO, The Making of A Modern American Symphony (Special Jury Award - Worldfest Houston)
Exploration Films

CITIES OF LIGHT
PBS / Robert Gardner Films

22nd CENTURY
PBS / Towers Productions / Boston Science

SEARCHING FOR GREELY
PBS / Boston Science Communications

THE GENTLE BEAR MAN OF EMO
PBS / Exploration Films

BEYOND THE MEDAL OF HONOR (Emmy Award)
PBS / Capture It Productions

MYSTIC VOICES (Emmy Award Nomination)
PBS

TWENTY YEARS WITH THE DOLPHINS
National Geographic Television

MEXICAN AMERICAN WAR
The History Channel / Jim Lindsay Productions

THE CURE
PBS / Boston Science

WHEN DOLPHINS CRY
National Geographic Television / Blue Voice

IN THE DUST
HDNet / Direct TV / ETV Productions

CHO OYU, WEST OF EVEREST
Media Ventures

NO LESS THE HEROES
Good-To-Go Video

CHINA BEAR RESCUE
Animal Planet / Animals Asia

HOPE TAKES WING
Solterra Productions

HIGHER AMBITIONS
Media Ventures

LIFE & TIMES OF WILLIAM JACKSON PALMER
Pioneers Museum Foundation

YOU’RE NEVER OVER LOVE
PBS / Sandra Martin Productions

CLASSICAL COMPOSITION / PREMIERS / COMMISSIONS

PORTRAITS IN SEASON, Suite for Piano and Orchestra (Emmy Award and Best Neoclassical Album - One World Music Awards)
- Recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
- Premiered with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra


WILD MUSTANG SUITE, for Piano and Orchestra (Emmy Award)
- Recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

ONE DROP BECAME AN OCEAN, A Water Suite for Piano and Chamber Orchestra
- Recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

PORTRAITS OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER, Suite for Piano, Orchestra and Chorus

PORTRAITS OF COLORADO, An American Symphony No 1
- Commissioned by the Colorado Symphony
- Premiered with the Colorado Symphony and Chorus

A SURPRISE FOR RABBIT, Children's Suite for Orchestra
- Commissioned by Inside The Orchestra

ANTHEM OF THE ROCKIES, Fanfare for Brass Quintet
- Commissioned by the Colorado Symphony for the History of Colorado Center
- Premiered with the Colorado Symphony Brass


​BRASS & STONE, Suite for Brass Ensemble
- Commissioned by the Denver Brass
- Premiered at the Denver Performing Arts Center


ALTITUDE 5280, Fanfare for Brass Ensemble
- Commissioned by the Denver Brass
- Premiered at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts


WELCOME, Cantata for Choir and Orchestra
- Premiered with the Sierra Vista Chorus and Ensemble

REIGN DANCE, Contemporary Ballet
- Premiered with the Little River Music Band and Dancers

DISCOGRAPHY

PORTRAITS IN SEASON, Suite for Piano and Orchestra
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SHADES OF LIGHT, for Solo Piano

NOEL, for Solo Piano

WILD MUSTANG SUITE, for Piano and Orchestra (Emmy Award, Gold Medal: Global Music Awards)
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ONE DROP BECAME AN OCEAN, A Water Suite for Piano and Chamber Orchestra (Top Ten Radio: 12 consecutive weeks, Silver Medal: Global Music Awards, Roundglass Award: Best Contemporary Instrumental)

MOMENT AT DAWN, live in concert (Gold Medal: Global Music Awards)

PORTRAITS OF COLORADO, An American Symphony No. 1 (Special Jury Remi Award 2015 - Worldfest Houston)

AMAZING RACER - music from the motion picture

Purple Piano

The Plumbline

Repairer of the Breach

Sister’s Cradle

Thunder & Love

AMERICAN MUSIC COMPANY: Six CDs

RESERVE MUSIC LIBRARY: Six CDs

REFERENCE RECORDINGS: One CD

REVIEWS

WILD MUSTANG SUITE

We all know that talented musicians can turn sonic wonders into very visible realizations, but Charles stands in a class of his own when it comes to using his musical brush to make the magic come alive… on his new album, he’s done just that, using a theme that captures the wild freedom of Mustangs on the hoof, racing in the moonlight… It all begins with the opener, “Fanfare Racing By Moonlight“, the word that immediately comes to mind is – POWER… if you’ve ever ridden a domesticated horse, you’ll know just how full of life, vim and vigor they are… take that and multiply it by thousands, and you’ll have an idea of how majestic and powerful a whole herd of these beautiful animals in the wild can be… this is, without question, the most powerful orchestral suite I have heard so far in 2018. Charles recorded the album with the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, which adds even more layers of beauty and focus to the overall suite… the finale for the suite, “Thundering Hooves“, is my personal favorite of the thirteen creations offered up… be sure to listen to the album with no distractions, preferably with your headphones on… as you listen to the wonderment emerging from his creative palette, you will come to treasure this inspiring music. I give Charles and his folks a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this excellent musical adventure. - Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews
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With the assistance of the City of Prague Philharmonic, Denler has created a magical work of art that celebrates the “spirit born of every living thing, longing to be free.” Even though the album was released less than a month ago, it has already received a Gold Medal from Global Music Awards, the first of many honors, I’m sure. ...soothing strings and the highly energized full orchestra. There is something very American about this piece and its musical depiction of freedom. ...a beautiful, atmospheric picture of a peaceful world ...gentle meditations that express hope and grace as well as beauty... a scene out of the “wild west” with mustangs running, triumphant and free - soul-stirring! ...heartfelt, soulful, and very poignant - almost prayerful...tranquility set to music. Highly recommended!
- Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com

ONE DROP BECAME AN OCEAN

“Two time Emmy winner, Charles Denler, is one of the world’s most prolific composers. His film scores have dazzled moviegoers worldwide and his instrumental albums have soothed audiences everywhere. On his new contemporary album One Drop Became An Ocean his talents are boundless. He incorporates every familiar embodiment of water that can heal the body and quiet the soul, and does it with brilliance.” - R J Lannon, Zone Music Reporter

"A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but it’s hard to imagine Charles Denler’s latest pieces unfolding beneath titles more appropriate than the ones they currently bear. “A Fair Wind Home,” “Dancing Light”—each suits the delicate melodies that Denler delineates on piano and that The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra transforms into shimmering panoramas.”
- Arsenio Orteza, WORLD Magazine

“One Drop Became An Ocean expresses the grace, peace and timelessness of any large body of water, where change is constant and yet it remains unchanged and eternal. The music is also symbolic of how one drop of hope can grow and expand. Denler and his piano along with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra have created a sparkling masterpiece that is not to be missed!”
- Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com


"I thought that spending a Moment at Dawn with Charles Denler was a musical twinkling of paradise; the music and the creative spirit have moved on and made this release, a manifestation of utter beauty in a tranquil harbor of calm natural bliss. Water, the most undeniable force on the planet, is the subject matter and Denler’s care and attention to detail here on this project is incredibly noteworthy, from the opener we hear the intent and the proficiency that is so very inspiring. To paint with music is clearly a passion for the composer and musician. Listen to the touching sensitivity of title track One Drop Becomes An Ocean, and feel that sense of wonder and respect. I live by the sea and enjoy my walks along the coast, and this sublime album will soon be my musical companion too. The dramatic and empowering In The Shadow Of Angels became just one of many stand out tracks for me personally and the utilization of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra just added a whole new dimension to the release and specifically this arrangement.
Charles Denler has a wonderful talent, not only as a composer but also as a pianist; he has a heart and a love for music that is so honest, evident and true, and anyone who can manifest great opuses like Rolling Thunder and The Seventh Wave should be applauded for his talent, skill and musical genius. A completely recommended album on all levels. Rating: Excellent"
- Steve Sheppard, One World Music


“As you listen to the simple power Charles is able to project on songs like “Dancing Light“, it will be easy for you to grasp his whole concept… though short (2:53), he brings the entire range of shimmering drops – and even parts of the thunderstorm – to your ears on this fine composition! An even stronger element of nature’s force is incorporated in one of my favorite songs (yet) for 2017… “Rolling Thunder” is magnificent, and just as wonderful as any symphony you’ve ever heard… the heavens will definitely intrude in your thoughts as you listen to this one. Certainly, if you’re a lover of classic string works, you will find “Whispering Seas” a favorite, and will be listening to it quite often… in fact, Charles’s style of composition and playing have won him Emmy Awards already, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this fine musical experience gets him a new nomination! What is most notable (for this writer, anyway) is how much beauty and content he is able to pack into a short piece… that 2:00 minute song is ageless and will draw you back to it over and over again! Of the fourteen beautiful and wondrous original sonic creations he offers up for your enjoyment, it is the title track, “One Drop Became An Ocean“, that got my vote for personal favorite… it’s also the longest on the album (3:36), and that may be a part of my attraction to it; but, he takes you through the entire journey – from a single drop to the huge swelling ocean that envelops your ears… again, his music is simply composed, but beautifully executed, and certainly merits the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I’m giving it, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information about this modern musical genius at the Charles Denler website.
- Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews


"Charles Denler is a Colorado-based pianist and composer with numerous film and television scores and thousands of concert performances to his credit. The follow-up to his widely-acclaimed Moment of Dawn album, One Drop Became An Ocean is a sublimely elegant collection of fourteen compositions spanning thirty-six minutes, which were recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Described as “a water suite for piano and chamber orchestra”, the album was inspired by Denler having spent most of his life living near water, and effectively conveys the scenic beauty of rivers, springs, fountains, oceans and rain with a seemingly poetic tone. Among many things that I immensely appreciate about this album, as with others that take its approach, is the accompaniment of live orchestration as opposed to the artist using synthesizers to mimic classical instruments. Alternately shifting from boldly cinematic and sweeping to minimal chamber passages throughout, Denler creates many aural contrasts, as he perfectly illustrates the water element in its full capacity ranging from dramatic power to the deepest of calm. A heartfelt ode to the aquatic realm, hearing this album often reminded me of being in a dome theatre and experiencing the adventure unfolding all around me. Likely to appeal to many fans of new age, neoclassical and film score music, One Drop Became An Ocean is simply a masterful work of prepossessing elegance!"
- Candice Michelle, Journeyscapes


MOMENT AT DAWN

"Charles Denler’s latest album is a landscape of beauty and hope. The album is, simply put, beautiful. Executed by the Colorado Symphony orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Chorus, and, on one track, The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, its 14 pieces evoke expansive vistas. Trumpet and violin lines emerge shaftlike through clouds of strings. Piano parts (played by Denler himself) sparkle like dewdrops. Vast stretches of euphony shimmer in slow motion." - Arsenio Orteza, WORLD Magazine

As for "Moment at Dawn", it's BEAUTIFUL! It's wonderfully scored, gentle in spirit, the sophisticated melodies are well-crafted. Many parts make me think of some of Copland's film scores, or the English pastoralist composers (Vaughan-Williams, Butterworth, Delius, Gerald Finzi, etc.). - Joshua Cheek, NAXOS
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"This magnificent opus embodies a mood I once believed to be obsolete. I mean quiet courage with a musical phrasing evocative of Americana, the earnest of perseverance, beautifully rendered. As for outcomes, I might cite Charles Denler’s brilliant career, since I believe Moment At Dawn to be a personal statement. He could start a classical revival. I think he already did."
- George Miler, Remote Skies

"Moment at Dawn is on a larger than life scale, both in its conceptualization, arrangement and production. The title track at the beginning itself suggests the grander than grand scope of this magnificent album. I just loved the choral production and string section in this track. The violin is singularly beautiful and a stand-out in this song. "Dawn's Glory" is hushed and Denler's piano is a masterpiece of restraint. I was utterly charmed by "The Dance", such an awesome track! "Sunset On Sage Mountain" is picturesque! No other word for it - This is a magnificent piece of work...as large as the mountain it depicts! "Alium Diem" is fitting finale for this dramatic and imposing piece of artistic excellence." - Ricky Kej

"To these ears, Denler has succeeded magnificently! I also love the quotation that is inside the album jacket as well as on the back cover: “If you look for beauty, you will always find it.” What a wonderful reminder! Moment At Dawn is a work of art that remains accessible to listeners at all levels of sophistication. Moment At Dawn opens with the title track, a gorgeous piece that features the chorus as well as the orchestra shimmering with the vibrant colors and hope of a new day. “Vivet I” introduces the beautiful main theme as a duet for violin (Yumi Hwang Williams) and piano. “Saunter By Moonlight” is a soothing, hypnotic piano solo. Flutes and oboes suggest a spritely dance in the fully-orchestrated “A Walk In the White Forest.” “Dawn’s Glory” is a piano solo that suggests the hushed and muted colors of early morning, gradually becoming brighter and more vivid. “The Dance” is a favorite. Beginning as a quiet piano solo with string washes in the background, it evolves into a lively, light-hearted piece for piano and orchestra. “Mountain Sage” is a calming and very peaceful duet for violin and piano - another favorite. “Mountain Portraits,” another duet, suggests the silent grandeur of the Rockies. “Alium Diem” (Another Day) brings this inspiring album to a stirring and optimistic close. Bravo, Mr. Denler!"
- Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com

"Charles Denler’s new neoclassical album MOMENT AT DAWN - Live in Concert is a wonderful musical expression of the magic of sunrise and the power of unwavering hope that features a symphony orchestra, a full mixed choir and Charles’ own masterful piano playing. This kind of sensitive, quality music reminds me of a cherished fine wine and is a rare find in today’s world of soda pop music. If you like the music of Bill Douglas, Michael Hoppe, Alan Hovhaness and Paul Schwartz, you’ll love this album – I certainly do!"
- Herb Ernst


PORTRAITS IN SEASON, Suite for Piano & Orchestra

"Even when he offers up a solo piano work, he develops complexity in the melody and he delivers it in a grand style. The orchestra sounds the trumpets in a Grofé-esque manner, the music builds and then segues into a strong piano lead. It is chock full of pastel sunrises and vivid sunsets that become a celebration of a life. A life full of colors and textures, experiences and natural energies. Charles Denler presents on Portraits in Season a complex, yet clear interpretation of the life of man through courageous music. We get to experience everything and more that the notes have to offer including the deep emotion that Denler has imbued into the compositions. It is now up to the listeners, myself included, to learn from history and grow with it." – R J Lannan, Zone Music Reporter

PORTRAITS OF COLORADO, An American Symphony No. 1

"You can almost see the red sunsets, the golden clouds scudding across the Rocky Mountain skies, the icy rivulets running through alpine valleys, the wild horses running in slow motion and smell the highh pine forests, such is the pictorial, film-score quality of the 28-minute Portraits, and rightly so since Denler is a well-established and award-winning composer of scores for films, documentaries, television programs and themes for television networks and programs. The Variations employ themes used in the Portraits. And don’t worry about the presence of a chorus: they’re just another, almost wordless, palette of orchestral color briefly employed in places. Colorado Symphony and Chorus; Scott O’Neill." - RecordsInternational.com

"It has been over 20 years since my last trip to Colorado, but this music paints a vivid and deeply affectionate picture of the incredible beauty on display there. I purposefully declined to read the movement titles, to try and allow the music to talk. It does, and clearly. Each movement is under five minutes, but every one has a distinct character, with a majestic and touching theme running through the entire piece. It's very much in keeping with Denler's need to appeal to the masses. Part traditional symphony, with echoes of a film score, the solo contributions, choral work, and additional instrumentals are all superb. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Chorus pour their hearts into this music, and the sonic quality is naturally as clear and crisp as mountain air. The six variations for violin and piano share the same theme as the symphony, and are lovingly rendered by Hwang-Williams and the composer. Say what you will about Denler's approach, it's very hard to argue with the end result." - Brian Wigman, Classical.net







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  • Bio
  • Credits
  • FilmMusic
  • Albums / Books
  • Pics
  • Contact
  • The Unspoken Narrative