SCOTT CONKLIN
ALBUMS/DISCOGRAPHY (REVIEWS)
SOLO ALBUMS
2015
*SCOTT CONKLIN'S PIECES AND PASSAGES*
Albany Records TROY 1546 (Length: 1 hr. 3 min. 3 sec.)
With Alan Huckleberry and Jason Sifford, piano/The Hope Moment by Ching-chu Hu, Suenos de Chambi: Snapshots from an Andean Album by Gabriela Lena Frank, Infinite Morning by Joel Puckett, Waitin' by William Bolcom, The Firehose Reel by Evan Chambers, The Fisherman's Song by Chen Yi, and Passages by Ethan Wickman/ Dave Schall, recording engineer
Album Packaging and Artwork by Scott Conklin
"This album is dedicated to those who persevere with their hope and seek passages to the light." --Scott Conklin
With Alan Huckleberry and Jason Sifford, piano/The Hope Moment by Ching-chu Hu, Suenos de Chambi: Snapshots from an Andean Album by Gabriela Lena Frank, Infinite Morning by Joel Puckett, Waitin' by William Bolcom, The Firehose Reel by Evan Chambers, The Fisherman's Song by Chen Yi, and Passages by Ethan Wickman/ Dave Schall, recording engineer
Album Packaging and Artwork by Scott Conklin
"This album is dedicated to those who persevere with their hope and seek passages to the light." --Scott Conklin
****FANFARE MAGAZINE (REVIEW)****
"Conklin has provided the artwork for the booklet, and he’s obviously profoundly committed to the ideas underlying this “concept album” as he calls it, hoping to draw his listeners into the ideas he wants to share. But even the unenlightened, who listen to his program as a purely musical program unburdened by philosophical meaning, will hardly fail to be touched by the depth of his musical penetration and the sincerity of his communication. Recommended as strongly to the latter kinds of listeners as to the former."
"The engineers have captured
Conklin’s many expressive nuances in this piece (Ching-chu Hu's Hope Moment), as well as his expressive tone production."
"Conklin plays it (Evan Chamber's Firehose Reel) more as a feral tour de force than as a showpiece."
****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (REVIEW)****
"Scott Conklin’s violin program adds in the
familiar piano and distinguishes itself by
wearing its heart on its sleeve."
"Conklin has provided the artwork for the booklet, and he’s obviously profoundly committed to the ideas underlying this “concept album” as he calls it, hoping to draw his listeners into the ideas he wants to share. But even the unenlightened, who listen to his program as a purely musical program unburdened by philosophical meaning, will hardly fail to be touched by the depth of his musical penetration and the sincerity of his communication. Recommended as strongly to the latter kinds of listeners as to the former."
"The engineers have captured
Conklin’s many expressive nuances in this piece (Ching-chu Hu's Hope Moment), as well as his expressive tone production."
"Conklin plays it (Evan Chamber's Firehose Reel) more as a feral tour de force than as a showpiece."
****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (REVIEW)****
"Scott Conklin’s violin program adds in the
familiar piano and distinguishes itself by
wearing its heart on its sleeve."
****IOWA PUBLIC RADIO (REVIEW)****
"The University of Iowa violinist plays a diverse yet subtly integrated mix of pieces by Ching-chu Hu (an Iowa City native who is now a professor in Ohio), Gabriela Lena Frank, Joel Puckett, Evan Chambers, Chen Yi (born in China, now in Kansas City), William Bolcom, and Ethan Wickman. Some are first recordings, including my two favorites - Hu's "The Hope Moment" and Wickman's "Passages," both of which I found moving and beautiful. All demonstrate that Conklin's playing is ravishing and his interpretations insightful and communicative. I liked this album immediately, but such is its profundity and accomplishment that over time it continues to grow on me."
"The University of Iowa violinist plays a diverse yet subtly integrated mix of pieces by Ching-chu Hu (an Iowa City native who is now a professor in Ohio), Gabriela Lena Frank, Joel Puckett, Evan Chambers, Chen Yi (born in China, now in Kansas City), William Bolcom, and Ethan Wickman. Some are first recordings, including my two favorites - Hu's "The Hope Moment" and Wickman's "Passages," both of which I found moving and beautiful. All demonstrate that Conklin's playing is ravishing and his interpretations insightful and communicative. I liked this album immediately, but such is its profundity and accomplishment that over time it continues to grow on me."
****WRUV 90.1 FM OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT "BURLINGTON'S BETTER ALTERNATIVE" REVIEW****
"Artist and violinist Scott Conklin performs works from Peru, Ireland, China and the US. Varying and very pleasant!"
https://wruv.wordpress.com/2015/04/17/pieces-passages/
"WRUV 90.1 FM of Burlington, Vermont, strives to provide their listening audience with an eclectic mix of music. From Celtic, Country and Hip-Hop, to Electronic, Rockabilly, and Punk Rock, the station presents a veritable smorgasbord of musical genres as well as news and educational content."
(What an incredible and unique radio station! Hail to the WRUV, and thanks for all you do! -SC)
"Artist and violinist Scott Conklin performs works from Peru, Ireland, China and the US. Varying and very pleasant!"
https://wruv.wordpress.com/2015/04/17/pieces-passages/
"WRUV 90.1 FM of Burlington, Vermont, strives to provide their listening audience with an eclectic mix of music. From Celtic, Country and Hip-Hop, to Electronic, Rockabilly, and Punk Rock, the station presents a veritable smorgasbord of musical genres as well as news and educational content."
(What an incredible and unique radio station! Hail to the WRUV, and thanks for all you do! -SC)
2009
*SCOTT CONKLIN'S VIOLINGUISTICS: AMERICAN VOICES *
Albany Records TROY 1138 (Length: 1 hr. 2 min. 50 sec.)
With Alan Huckleberry, piano/Sonata for Violin and Piano by Kevin Beavers, The Graceful Ghost Rag by William Bolcom, Snow Ash by Ching-chu Hu, The Stream Flows for solo violin by Bright Sheng, Colloquial Threads for Violin and Piano by Joel Puckett, and Aria by Kevin Puts/ Dave Schall, recording engineer
With Alan Huckleberry, piano/Sonata for Violin and Piano by Kevin Beavers, The Graceful Ghost Rag by William Bolcom, Snow Ash by Ching-chu Hu, The Stream Flows for solo violin by Bright Sheng, Colloquial Threads for Violin and Piano by Joel Puckett, and Aria by Kevin Puts/ Dave Schall, recording engineer
VIOLINGUISTICS: AMERICAN VOICES HAD THE HONOR OF BEING NAMED THE RECOMMENDED ALBUM IN THE JUNE 2010 ISSUE OF THE STRAD.
*****THE STRAD (REVIEW)/RECOMMENDED ALBUM OF THE JUNE 2010 ISSUE*****
“Scott Conklin: charismatic delivery”
“Scott Conklin’s brilliance of tone and charismatic delivery bring a burnished gleam to this disc of American music from the last 30 years.”
“Conklin and pianist Alan Huckleberry tackle each work with interpretative eloquence, extreme technical precision and an infectious brio that makes the whole disc very enjoyable."
“performed with flair and humour.”
“performed with care and loving attention by the duo.”
“beautifully paced”
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE (REVIEW)*****
"urgently recommended"
“Throughout, Conklin and Huckleberry adapt themselves, technically and musically, not only to the shifting styles within individual compositions, but also to the varied styles of the composers themselves.”
“a tour de force that cries out for both repeated performances and hearings.”
“If these American voices predominate through the next generation, we have reason to hope for a resurgence of music for the violin that’s interesting, idiomatic, and accessible.”
“William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost appeared in Gil Shaham’s Halloween program (“Devil’s Dance,” Deutsche Grammophon 463 483, 24: 3), and in Renata Artman Knific and Lori Sims’s recital of Bolcom’s sonatas on MSR 1197, 31:3; but Conklin and Huckleberry play it with a cheeky impudence that seems to fit it as a glove fits a hand.”
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (REVIEW)*****
“It is sure to please any fan of violin and piano who is looking for something new.”
*****ALL MUSIC GUIDE (REVIEW)*****
“With such a varied program, the thing holding everything together is Conklin's keen interpretive powers and ability to deliver listeners to different times, places, and styles with his abundance of tone colors. His playing is technically superior, powering through even the most difficult of passages with ease. But it is not his technical acumen that listeners will first notice or remember; rather, the sincere, informed, and sentimental way he approaches each of the works on his program is striking, captivating, and capable of holding his listeners rapt from beginning to end.”
“Scott Conklin’s brilliance of tone and charismatic delivery bring a burnished gleam to this disc of American music from the last 30 years.”
“Conklin and pianist Alan Huckleberry tackle each work with interpretative eloquence, extreme technical precision and an infectious brio that makes the whole disc very enjoyable."
“performed with flair and humour.”
“performed with care and loving attention by the duo.”
“beautifully paced”
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE (REVIEW)*****
"urgently recommended"
“Throughout, Conklin and Huckleberry adapt themselves, technically and musically, not only to the shifting styles within individual compositions, but also to the varied styles of the composers themselves.”
“a tour de force that cries out for both repeated performances and hearings.”
“If these American voices predominate through the next generation, we have reason to hope for a resurgence of music for the violin that’s interesting, idiomatic, and accessible.”
“William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost appeared in Gil Shaham’s Halloween program (“Devil’s Dance,” Deutsche Grammophon 463 483, 24: 3), and in Renata Artman Knific and Lori Sims’s recital of Bolcom’s sonatas on MSR 1197, 31:3; but Conklin and Huckleberry play it with a cheeky impudence that seems to fit it as a glove fits a hand.”
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (REVIEW)*****
“It is sure to please any fan of violin and piano who is looking for something new.”
*****ALL MUSIC GUIDE (REVIEW)*****
“With such a varied program, the thing holding everything together is Conklin's keen interpretive powers and ability to deliver listeners to different times, places, and styles with his abundance of tone colors. His playing is technically superior, powering through even the most difficult of passages with ease. But it is not his technical acumen that listeners will first notice or remember; rather, the sincere, informed, and sentimental way he approaches each of the works on his program is striking, captivating, and capable of holding his listeners rapt from beginning to end.”
SOLO PERFORMANCES ON COMPILATION ALBUMS
2009
*VIVA CONCERTANTE*
Albany Records TROY 1110
Conklin appeared as the featured soloist on Ching-chu Hu's violin concerto A Tempered Wish. (Conklin also performed in the Center for New Music Ensemble with David Gompper, conductor on works by Franco Donatoni and Jeremy Dale Roberts.)
Conklin appeared as the featured soloist on Ching-chu Hu's violin concerto A Tempered Wish. (Conklin also performed in the Center for New Music Ensemble with David Gompper, conductor on works by Franco Donatoni and Jeremy Dale Roberts.)
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE (REVIEW)*****
"Praise is due to Scott Conklin."
"Praise is due to Scott Conklin."
2009
*CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE /SUZUKI ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS ALBUM*
Released in 2010
Conklin played Massenet's Meditation from Thais with pianist Alan Huckleberry. The Albers Trio, Cavani String Quartet, Rachel Barton Pine, Wendy Warner, and Orion Weiss among many other wonderful artists are also featured on this album.
Conklin played Massenet's Meditation from Thais with pianist Alan Huckleberry. The Albers Trio, Cavani String Quartet, Rachel Barton Pine, Wendy Warner, and Orion Weiss among many other wonderful artists are also featured on this album.
CHAMBER MUSIC/ENSEMBLE ALBUMS
2023
HANS GÁL: WORKS FOR VIOLA, PIANO, VIOLIN AND OBOE
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2023
CENTAUR RECORDS (CRC 397576)
Christine Rutledge, viola
Courtney Miller, oboe
David Gompper, piano
Scott Conklin, violin
Disc 1, 42:27 and Disc 2, 41:53 (Total time: 84:20). I play on all of Disc 2 on the works Divertimento for Violin and Viola as well as the Trio for Oboe, Violin and Viola, Op. 94 and Divertimento for Violin and Viola, Op. 90, No. 3. Recorded in December of 2018 by James Edel.
Christine Rutledge, viola
Courtney Miller, oboe
David Gompper, piano
Scott Conklin, violin
Disc 1, 42:27 and Disc 2, 41:53 (Total time: 84:20). I play on all of Disc 2 on the works Divertimento for Violin and Viola as well as the Trio for Oboe, Violin and Viola, Op. 94 and Divertimento for Violin and Viola, Op. 90, No. 3. Recorded in December of 2018 by James Edel.
*****IOWA PUBLIC RADIO Barney Sherman's classical picks of 2022 Top 5*****
5. "Trio for oboe, violin and viola: i. Pastorale," Hans Gal
"Performed by University of Iowa musicians Christine Rutledge, viola, Courtney Miller, oboe and Scott Conklin, violin. From a two-CD set of the composer’s chamber music performed by University of Iowa faculty and recorded at Voxman."
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023) THOMSON*****(REVIEW)
“The more I hear of Hans Gal, the more I find to enjoy.”
“The instruments are coequal all the time, and Conklin and Miller are both well up to the task”
5. "Trio for oboe, violin and viola: i. Pastorale," Hans Gal
"Performed by University of Iowa musicians Christine Rutledge, viola, Courtney Miller, oboe and Scott Conklin, violin. From a two-CD set of the composer’s chamber music performed by University of Iowa faculty and recorded at Voxman."
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023) THOMSON*****(REVIEW)
“The more I hear of Hans Gal, the more I find to enjoy.”
“The instruments are coequal all the time, and Conklin and Miller are both well up to the task”
2021
*THE VOXMAN PROJECT *
CRYSTAL RECORDS (CD782)
Kirk O'Riordan's Ductus Figuratus Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Ensemble (lone violinist and performer of violin cadenza)
Kirk O'Riordan's Ductus Figuratus Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Ensemble (lone violinist and performer of violin cadenza)
*****MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL (SUMMER 2021) MARC ROCHESTER*****(REVIEW)
“The name of this CD – “The Voxman Project” – and a wedge of a building set in a bright blue sky on the CD cover, is taken from the recording location – the Voxman Building of the University of Iowa.”
“There are precious few saxophone concertos around, so any new one is worthy of interest; and O’Riordan’s is certainly a work worth investigating. It must be said that, for much of this 20-minute work, he seems so intent on moving away from the saxophone’s traditional stomping ground of jazz, that it often seems dauntingly dark and heavyweight. It comes as a bit of a surprise, therefore, to read that it was, to an extent, inspired by Orff’s Carmina burana. You will search in vain for musical connections, but the influence is found in the Latinate title of the work and of its four movements. The short third movement – “Tripudo” – is the lightest of the three, and in the fourth (“Demum”), after a desolate violin solo, beautifully played here by Scott Conklin, there is, in the jagged, angular rhythms, and foot-tripping syncopations, something quite invigorating. There is a lot of clever and effective writing here, and Tse is a splendidly fluent and masterful advocate for this new concerto.”
*****THE OPERATIC SAXOPHONE (JUNE 28, 2021) MARY HUNTIMER*****(REVIEW)
“The Voxman Project provides an impeccable approach in both sound and execution."
“…the third piece on this album, Kirk O’Riordan’s Ductus figuratus, Concerto for Alto Saxophone is an expansive and dramatic concerto for chamber ensemble. The chamber ensemble creates a soundscape as Tse plays among the clouds in the “Cadens” which is fitting since it is inspired by the Cathedral at Rouen, France.”
“The name of this CD – “The Voxman Project” – and a wedge of a building set in a bright blue sky on the CD cover, is taken from the recording location – the Voxman Building of the University of Iowa.”
“There are precious few saxophone concertos around, so any new one is worthy of interest; and O’Riordan’s is certainly a work worth investigating. It must be said that, for much of this 20-minute work, he seems so intent on moving away from the saxophone’s traditional stomping ground of jazz, that it often seems dauntingly dark and heavyweight. It comes as a bit of a surprise, therefore, to read that it was, to an extent, inspired by Orff’s Carmina burana. You will search in vain for musical connections, but the influence is found in the Latinate title of the work and of its four movements. The short third movement – “Tripudo” – is the lightest of the three, and in the fourth (“Demum”), after a desolate violin solo, beautifully played here by Scott Conklin, there is, in the jagged, angular rhythms, and foot-tripping syncopations, something quite invigorating. There is a lot of clever and effective writing here, and Tse is a splendidly fluent and masterful advocate for this new concerto.”
*****THE OPERATIC SAXOPHONE (JUNE 28, 2021) MARY HUNTIMER*****(REVIEW)
“The Voxman Project provides an impeccable approach in both sound and execution."
“…the third piece on this album, Kirk O’Riordan’s Ductus figuratus, Concerto for Alto Saxophone is an expansive and dramatic concerto for chamber ensemble. The chamber ensemble creates a soundscape as Tse plays among the clouds in the “Cadens” which is fitting since it is inspired by the Cathedral at Rouen, France.”
2019
*PORTUGUESE PERSPECTIVES: MUSIC FOR OBOE, PIANO, AND STRINGS*
MSR CLASSICS (1690)
Oboist Courtney Miller with......
Mini Kwon, piano
String Quartet: Scott Conklin, violin; Katie Wolfe, violin; Christine Rutledge, viola; and Tony Arnone, cello
Works by Azevedo, Carrrapatoso, D'Almeida, Ferreirr, Fragoso, and Matosinkos.
Oboist Courtney Miller with......
Mini Kwon, piano
String Quartet: Scott Conklin, violin; Katie Wolfe, violin; Christine Rutledge, viola; and Tony Arnone, cello
Works by Azevedo, Carrrapatoso, D'Almeida, Ferreirr, Fragoso, and Matosinkos.
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE*****(REVIEW)
"The big piece is the four-movement, 22-minute Oboe Quintet by Sergio Azevedo. Originally composed in 2004, it was revised and completed in 2017 for Ms Miller. I is a march, II an aggressive scherzo. The composer says III is “a sad and poignant elegy, the core of the work. After this threnody, (IV) portrays urgency, and the music finishes not with decisiveness, but with a question mark.”
"Beautiful playing by violinists Scott Conklin and Katie Wolfe, violist Christine Rutledge, and cellist Anthony Arnone."
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE*****(REVIEW)
"Some listeners will find the variety of musical styles on this collection of Portuguese oboe music appealing because it prevents ennui; others might find that such stylistic diversity is annoying because they find some pieces much more appealing than others. I fall into the former category and found a great deal to admire on this CD. Chief among its attractions is the skilled oboe playing of Courtney Miller. Ronald E. Grames, in Fanfare 39:4, also highly praised Miller, noting that “she is a performer of considerable skill, with an unfailingly lovely sound, abundant technical ability, and a special gift for turning notes into poetry.” I agree completely with my colleague and would add that Miller is capable of varying her sound to suit a wide range of moods. She is presently Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Iowa."
After a disc of music for oboe alone or with piano, Sérgio Azevedo’s Oboe Quintet provides the contrast of a string quartet. Originally composed in 2004, Azvedo revised the score in 2017 specifically for Miller. At 22 minutes it is the longest work on the CD, and I will admit that I found my mind wandering during the first movement (a fairly relentless march). But with the appearance of a light-hearted Scherzo and a lovely Intermezzo that Azvedo calls “the core of the work,” I was definitely re-engaged. That Intermezzo is a very moving elegy. The finale starts off jauntily, but a nervous undercurrent takes over, which is then interrupted by what the composer describes as a mad waltz. The enigmatic ending, to quote Azevedo, “mirrors the feeling of unease that the contemporary men and women are forced to endure.”
"Very natural, well-balanced sound quality and excellent notes from the various composers (except of course for Fragoso, where the oboist provided the notes) round out a fine disc for those who love woodwinds, or who have musical curiosity."
*****CHERRY GROVE MUSIC REVIEW*****
"If I would propose a trip to Portugal, you would immediately think airplane or luxury ocean liner. Virtuoso Courtney Miller had another idea: assemble a cast of musical stars and play contemporary music by Portuguese composers devoted to her instrument. The result turned out to be an intense exploration of the sounds of an oboe in the MSR Classics recording "Portuguese Perspectives." As the CD plays, you may shut your eyes and be transported by the spirit within the music of six composers to Portugal, the context of their work."
"While Minji Kwon factors heavily in the playing of the various compositions to support Miller in her leading role, four string players also contribute significantly:
Scott Conklin, violin; Katie Wolfe, violin; Christine Rutledge, viola; and Anthony Arnone, cello. To further enhance the listening experience, the sounds created by the musicians are expertly recorded and blended in balance to bring each composition to full life. Overall, the CD is a top shelf achievement, a tour de force, especially for the oboe and its sonic potential."
*****INFODAD.COM*****(REVIEW)
http://transcentury.blogspot.com/2019/09/winds-have-it-or-most-of-it.html
..."the quintet is quite well played. "
"The big piece is the four-movement, 22-minute Oboe Quintet by Sergio Azevedo. Originally composed in 2004, it was revised and completed in 2017 for Ms Miller. I is a march, II an aggressive scherzo. The composer says III is “a sad and poignant elegy, the core of the work. After this threnody, (IV) portrays urgency, and the music finishes not with decisiveness, but with a question mark.”
"Beautiful playing by violinists Scott Conklin and Katie Wolfe, violist Christine Rutledge, and cellist Anthony Arnone."
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE*****(REVIEW)
"Some listeners will find the variety of musical styles on this collection of Portuguese oboe music appealing because it prevents ennui; others might find that such stylistic diversity is annoying because they find some pieces much more appealing than others. I fall into the former category and found a great deal to admire on this CD. Chief among its attractions is the skilled oboe playing of Courtney Miller. Ronald E. Grames, in Fanfare 39:4, also highly praised Miller, noting that “she is a performer of considerable skill, with an unfailingly lovely sound, abundant technical ability, and a special gift for turning notes into poetry.” I agree completely with my colleague and would add that Miller is capable of varying her sound to suit a wide range of moods. She is presently Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Iowa."
After a disc of music for oboe alone or with piano, Sérgio Azevedo’s Oboe Quintet provides the contrast of a string quartet. Originally composed in 2004, Azvedo revised the score in 2017 specifically for Miller. At 22 minutes it is the longest work on the CD, and I will admit that I found my mind wandering during the first movement (a fairly relentless march). But with the appearance of a light-hearted Scherzo and a lovely Intermezzo that Azvedo calls “the core of the work,” I was definitely re-engaged. That Intermezzo is a very moving elegy. The finale starts off jauntily, but a nervous undercurrent takes over, which is then interrupted by what the composer describes as a mad waltz. The enigmatic ending, to quote Azevedo, “mirrors the feeling of unease that the contemporary men and women are forced to endure.”
"Very natural, well-balanced sound quality and excellent notes from the various composers (except of course for Fragoso, where the oboist provided the notes) round out a fine disc for those who love woodwinds, or who have musical curiosity."
*****CHERRY GROVE MUSIC REVIEW*****
"If I would propose a trip to Portugal, you would immediately think airplane or luxury ocean liner. Virtuoso Courtney Miller had another idea: assemble a cast of musical stars and play contemporary music by Portuguese composers devoted to her instrument. The result turned out to be an intense exploration of the sounds of an oboe in the MSR Classics recording "Portuguese Perspectives." As the CD plays, you may shut your eyes and be transported by the spirit within the music of six composers to Portugal, the context of their work."
"While Minji Kwon factors heavily in the playing of the various compositions to support Miller in her leading role, four string players also contribute significantly:
Scott Conklin, violin; Katie Wolfe, violin; Christine Rutledge, viola; and Anthony Arnone, cello. To further enhance the listening experience, the sounds created by the musicians are expertly recorded and blended in balance to bring each composition to full life. Overall, the CD is a top shelf achievement, a tour de force, especially for the oboe and its sonic potential."
*****INFODAD.COM*****(REVIEW)
http://transcentury.blogspot.com/2019/09/winds-have-it-or-most-of-it.html
..."the quintet is quite well played. "
2019
*ICH DENKE DEIN: SONGS & CHAMBER WORKS BY NIKOLAI MEDTNER*
Albany Records TROY 1757
(RELEASE DATE NEW YEAR'S DAY 2019)
"In recent years, interest in Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951) has surged. International festivals, conferences, and competitions dedicated to Medtner have taken place in Europe and Russia, with scholars and performers devoting greater attention to his work. This recording features Medtner's songs and a work for violin and piano. His songs interweave the piano and voice to enhance the music flow and to bring out the deep poetic meaning in each piece. The pianist, Sasha Burdin, has devoted a great deal of research to the piano works of Medtner with his DMA focused on Medtner. Soprano Rachel Joselson enjoys a distinguished career as an opera singer, recitalist, and teacher. She is currently on the faculty at the University of Iowa. This is her third recording for Albany Records. Violinist Scott Conklin, also on the faculty at the University of Iowa, is known for his "brilliance of tone and charismatic delivery." A champion of new music, his discography includes two recordings for Albany Records."
-Albany Records
(RELEASE DATE NEW YEAR'S DAY 2019)
"In recent years, interest in Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951) has surged. International festivals, conferences, and competitions dedicated to Medtner have taken place in Europe and Russia, with scholars and performers devoting greater attention to his work. This recording features Medtner's songs and a work for violin and piano. His songs interweave the piano and voice to enhance the music flow and to bring out the deep poetic meaning in each piece. The pianist, Sasha Burdin, has devoted a great deal of research to the piano works of Medtner with his DMA focused on Medtner. Soprano Rachel Joselson enjoys a distinguished career as an opera singer, recitalist, and teacher. She is currently on the faculty at the University of Iowa. This is her third recording for Albany Records. Violinist Scott Conklin, also on the faculty at the University of Iowa, is known for his "brilliance of tone and charismatic delivery." A champion of new music, his discography includes two recordings for Albany Records."
-Albany Records
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE*****(REVIEW)
4/5 Stars
"A disc well worth exploring and a gateway to further jewels"
"This is fascinating repertoire, then—a disc well worth exploring and a gateway to further jewels."
"I have no qualms about Scott Conklin’s violin, though. The second Canzona and Dance from op. 43 is beautifully done. The folkloric lyricism of the canzona, with its positively fantastical, fairy tale-like close, is perfectly captured by Conklin and Burdin; they are perfectly captivating, too. The dance companion piece has a great sense of verve. Here there is a perfect symbiosis between the performers; this is the very epitome of chamber music."
"The music of Medtner still cries out for reappraisal by the public, and this disc of songs and chamber music (entitled Ich Denke Dein) hopefully will go some way towards rectifying that situation."
4/5 Stars
"A disc well worth exploring and a gateway to further jewels"
"This is fascinating repertoire, then—a disc well worth exploring and a gateway to further jewels."
"I have no qualms about Scott Conklin’s violin, though. The second Canzona and Dance from op. 43 is beautifully done. The folkloric lyricism of the canzona, with its positively fantastical, fairy tale-like close, is perfectly captured by Conklin and Burdin; they are perfectly captivating, too. The dance companion piece has a great sense of verve. Here there is a perfect symbiosis between the performers; this is the very epitome of chamber music."
"The music of Medtner still cries out for reappraisal by the public, and this disc of songs and chamber music (entitled Ich Denke Dein) hopefully will go some way towards rectifying that situation."
2016
*SONGS OF THE HOLOCAUST*
Albany Records TROY 1627
A moving, profound album by soprano Rachel Joselson and pianist Réne Lecuona. The newly released album features songs by composers Adolf Strauss, Viktor Ullman, Carlo Taube, Ilse Weber, Gideon Klein, and James Simon, who lost their lives at the concentration camp in Terezin during World War II. The album also features the music of composer Norbert Glanzbert, who survived the war and whose music honors and memorializes those who died.
Conklin played on Carlo Taube's song Ein Jüdisches Kind (A Jewish Child).
A moving, profound album by soprano Rachel Joselson and pianist Réne Lecuona. The newly released album features songs by composers Adolf Strauss, Viktor Ullman, Carlo Taube, Ilse Weber, Gideon Klein, and James Simon, who lost their lives at the concentration camp in Terezin during World War II. The album also features the music of composer Norbert Glanzbert, who survived the war and whose music honors and memorializes those who died.
Conklin played on Carlo Taube's song Ein Jüdisches Kind (A Jewish Child).
*****FANFARE MAGAZINE***** (REVIEW)
"There have been many song recital discs commemorating the Holocaust. This is one of the finest, both in its imaginative variety of repertoire and for the passion of its performances."
"Rachel Joselson is a distinguished artist and teacher who has sung solo roles in opera houses the world over, including the Met. She is closely attuned to all of these songs, singing with a clean, strong soprano."
"Carlos Taube's A Jewish Child is a mournful ditty, its melodramatic character emphasized by a solo violin (played by Scott Conklin)."
"passionately recommended"
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE***** (REVIEW)
"The music is varied and interesting."
"Performances are good. Joselson sings with legato and excellent diction, and Lecuona's playing is supportive and clear. Conklin and Holman add warmth and depth. "
*****IOWA PUBLIC RADIO*****(REVIEW)
"Joselson's singing is humane, natural, beautiful, and heartfelt; the lullabies by Ilsa Weber, a mother and noted author of children's books will move you to tears. Renee Lecuona is a major pianist and first-rate collaborative artist, as are Hannah Holman and Scott Conklin."
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-music/2017-01-03/2016-was-a-bumper-year-for-non-garden-variety-iowa-classical-cds-my-round-up-with-charity-nebbe
"There have been many song recital discs commemorating the Holocaust. This is one of the finest, both in its imaginative variety of repertoire and for the passion of its performances."
"Rachel Joselson is a distinguished artist and teacher who has sung solo roles in opera houses the world over, including the Met. She is closely attuned to all of these songs, singing with a clean, strong soprano."
"Carlos Taube's A Jewish Child is a mournful ditty, its melodramatic character emphasized by a solo violin (played by Scott Conklin)."
"passionately recommended"
*****AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE***** (REVIEW)
"The music is varied and interesting."
"Performances are good. Joselson sings with legato and excellent diction, and Lecuona's playing is supportive and clear. Conklin and Holman add warmth and depth. "
*****IOWA PUBLIC RADIO*****(REVIEW)
"Joselson's singing is humane, natural, beautiful, and heartfelt; the lullabies by Ilsa Weber, a mother and noted author of children's books will move you to tears. Renee Lecuona is a major pianist and first-rate collaborative artist, as are Hannah Holman and Scott Conklin."
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-music/2017-01-03/2016-was-a-bumper-year-for-non-garden-variety-iowa-classical-cds-my-round-up-with-charity-nebbe
2009
*INTO THE FUTURE*
Albany Records TROY 956
Features works by David Gompper, Luke Dahn, John Berners, Michael Eckert, Lawrence Fritts, and Joseph Dangerfield.
Conklin played on Edges by Luke Dahn.
Features works by David Gompper, Luke Dahn, John Berners, Michael Eckert, Lawrence Fritts, and Joseph Dangerfield.
Conklin played on Edges by Luke Dahn.
2009
*D. MARTIN JENNI TRIBUTE*
An album of works by D. Martin Jenni featuring the Center for New Music Ensemble at the University of Iowa School of Music/David Gompper, conductor
ROCK ALBUM
2006
*LOSING SLEEP*
THE MUCKRAKERS
Conklin played on The Muckrakers' song "Anywhere."
ORCHESTRAL ALBUMS
2000
*PROKOFIEV WAR & PEACE*
Chandos 9855 (Length: 3 hrs. 54 min. 37 sec.)
Recorded in 1999 at the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy with the Russian State Symphonic Cappella, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and Richard Hickox, conductor. Conklin was a member of the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
Recorded in 1999 at the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy with the Russian State Symphonic Cappella, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and Richard Hickox, conductor. Conklin was a member of the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
The album is listed in the 1000 Finest Classical Recordings in the PENGUIN RECORD GUIDE.
DVD RELEASES
2010
*SOUND INNOVATIONS FOR STRING ORCHESTRA VIOLIN BOOK 1 (A REVOLUTIONARY METHOD FOR BEGINNING MUSICIANS)*
BY BOB PHILLIPS, PETER BOONSCHAFT, AND ROBERT SHELDON
ALFRED (PUBLISHING)
Scott Conklin recorded the Pedagogical/Violin Master Class DVD for Violin Book 1 (for Beginning Musicians) which is included with each of the first violin books. The DVD is 42 minutes and 42 seconds in length; International Release Date: June 2010
The video was filmed in high definition (HD) resolution in December of 2009.
The video was filmed in high definition (HD) resolution in December of 2009.
