Regarded by many as one of the earliest composers and players of novelty piano pieces. He was responsible for creating many iconic and incredibly popular tunes. Early in his career his talent for arranging and composing was noticed by publishers, which led to his being in demand for creating special pieces for various vaudeville acts. He also held a steady job as the organist for New York's Trinity Church. In 1912 he joined banjoist Fred Van Eps and his brother Bill Van Eps on second banjo to form the Van Eps Trio. As a soloist he commenced making numerous recordings during the next several years, going on to record at least 30 keyboard solo sides. He also debuted many of his own compositions simultaneously on record and piano roll over the next few years. In late 1914 or early 1915 he met his muse Nola B. Locke, a professional singer with the St. Louis symphony, vocal teacher and capable pianist as well. Soon the couple were engaged, and shortly afterwards Arndt wrote his signature piece in honor of the occasion: Nola - A Silhouette for the Piano. Written and copyrighted in late 1915, it was first published and recorded early in 1916. Several months after the piece was composed they were happily wed. George Gershwin considered Arndt a mentor. He contracted influenza in October of 1918 during the Spanish Flu Pandemic and succumbed to it on October 16th. For more in depth information on Arndt's life and works, please see Bill Edward's excellent site:
http://www.perfessorbill.com/comps/farndt.shtml
http://www.perfessorbill.com/comps/farndt.shtml
Regarded by many as one of the earliest composers and players of novelty piano pieces. He was responsible for creating many iconic and incredibly popular tunes. Early in his career his talent for arranging and composing was noticed by publishers, which led to his being in demand for creating special pieces for various vaudeville acts. He also held a steady job as the organist for New York's Trinity Church. In 1912 he joined banjoist Fred Van Eps and his brother Bill Van Eps on second banjo to form the Van Eps Trio. As a soloist he commenced making numerous recordings during the next several years, going on to record at least 30 keyboard solo sides. He also debuted many of his own compositions simultaneously on record and piano roll over the next few years. In late 1914 or early 1915 he met his muse Nola B. Locke, a professional singer with the St. Louis symphony, vocal teacher and capable pianist as well. Soon the couple were engaged, and shortly afterwards Arndt wrote his signature piece in honor of the occasion: Nola - A Silhouette for the Piano. Written and copyrighted in late 1915, it was first published and recorded early in 1916. Several months after the piece was composed they were happily wed. George Gershwin considered Arndt a mentor. He contracted influenza in October of 1918 during the Spanish Flu Pandemic and succumbed to it on October 16th. For more in depth information on Arndt's life and works, please see Bill Edward's excellent site:
http://www.perfessorbill.com/comps/farndt.shtml
http://www.perfessorbill.com/comps/farndt.shtml
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