![]() Heroic Tales: Piano Music of Edward MacDowell was released in November 2003 on the Sonatabop label. The CD features the "Eroica" and "Norse" Sonatas, Opp. 50 and 57, and the Sea Pieces, Op. 55. MacDowell has long been considered the first American composer of serious stature, as well as one of the first to gain intermational respect. His romantic music exhibits strong appeal for audiences, whether it is through beautiful melodies, miniature impressions, or epic story telling. "Certainly, anyone with an interest in late-19th century Romanticism that does not know this composer should hear this CD. Karpoff does an excellent job of conveying the swagger and beauty of the music."
~ Fanfare "Except for his D Minor Concerto, [MacDowell's] music has all but vanished from the repertoire. That could make this music attractive for second-rate pianists looking to make their mark off the beaten track. I don't get that feeling with Karpoff. It is clear he has an affinity for this music. What I like best is the large and rich sound he produces. He gives this American Romantic's music a warm and confident reading. The slow movement of the second sonata (Eroica) is especially beautiful, and a tribute to this fine pianist's sensitivity."
~ American Record Guide To purchase a compact disc or to listen to excerpts, click here. Beethoven Trios: Trio in E Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 2 & Trio in B Flat Major, Opus 97 "Archduke" was released in August 2005 by Renegade Classics. The Trio in E Flat Major was originally recorded in a live performance at the Skaneateles Festival in 1997. David Abrams of the Syracuse Post-Standard wrote: "Violinist Curtis Macomber, cellist Lindsay Groves and pianist Fred Karpoff opened the program with an explosion of energy, in a performance of Beethoven's Trio in E-Flat. Unafraid to take chances, the trio played with vigor and spirit and total confidence--using the many dotted rhythmic patterns to drive the work to fevered pitches. Karpoff, in particular, was outstanding -- breathing life into his phrases with smooth finger work, a graceful touch, delicate phrase endings and crisp, clean articulations." The Archduke Trio, Opus 97 was recorded the following summer and received this review: "The tour-de-force of Friday's program was an incredible performance of Beethoven's 'Archduke Trio' performed by [Fred] Karpoff, violinist Curtis Macomber and cellist Peter Rejto. The marvelous synergy among these three musicians was immediately apparent, as the trio dug in deeply and wove an interpretation that had as much soul as it did substance. "In terms of musicality, Karpoff is one of the most exciting pianists to watch and hear in the history of the festival. His involvement and intensity at the piano are at once apparent, and his phrasing invariably superb. His long, spacious phrases in the Andante movement jell together so well one might conclude he has found a way to play the piano as a wind instrument. He executed the tricky ornamental passages that color the melodic lines in the final Allegro with ease and grace. Macomber…was magnificent…with a great sense of pitch, rhythmic control and artistic prowess. Equally adept was Rejto, whose expressive playing made for some chilling moments in this lovely work." Click here to listen to excerpts or to order. This Moment: Music of Bernstein, Bucchino, Bolcom, Sondheim and others was produced by Fred Karpoff and released in 2006 by Renegade Classics. "This Moment features the artistry of soprano Rebecca Karpoff in remarkable, live performances of North American music, ranging from the poignantly touching songs of Bucchino and Sondheim to laugh-out-loud interpretations of works by Bernstein, Bolcom, and Greer. Audience laughter is ever-present and the listener is captivated by Karpoff's charisma and story-telling ability, as she infuses each vignette with dramatic intensity, a wide range of vocal colors, and impeccable timing. From the opening, 'So, where do ya wanna go, first?' (in Bernstein's "Come Up to My Place") it's a fun, rollicking ride of great music-with occasional turns toward tender, affecting moments." For more information, click here.
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