Edward MacDowell/Clara Schumann
Catalog Number: J122

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ARTISTS
Frederick Moyer, PIANIST
 
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REPERTOIRE
 
This latest release by JRI Recordings features two works for piano and orchestra, brilliantly written for the soloist by two of the most prominent pianists of the 19th century. The work by Clara Schumann (1819-1896) is the single finest concerto by a female composer in the romantic era, and that by Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) the finest concerto by an American in this period.
This recording is also novel in that it utilizes two experimental approaches to making a concerto recording. In the MacDowell Concerto, the orchestra was recorded alone (used with permission of Music Minus One) and the piano part was added later. In the Clara Schumann Concerto, the orchestra was created entirely with a midi keyboard and computer using sampled sounds. The results in both pieces are stunningly beautiful and realistic.
 
 
MACDOWELL PIANO CONCERTO: “Moyer presents the MacDowell’s solo part in a vivid, lively, well-articulated interpretation that will likely give the listener enjoyment after repeated listening. ... brings a flexible, lyrical tone, supple phrasing, a pleasant lack of bombast, and an unforced almost low-key approach that serves the music well.”
CLARA SCHUMANN PIANO CONCERTO: “Mr. Moyer’s masterly, lavish handling of the solo part makes this more of a grand sonata with orchestra accompaniment. He brings power, poetry and commitment to the music.” AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE

“Moyer’s playing is always commanding and refined ... fluent and characterful throughout ... in the presto giocoso (MacDowell 2nd movement), the unhurried sense of joie de vivre in his playing reminds me of how Arthur Rubinstein might have played this movement.” CLASSICAL VOICE OF NEW ENGLAND