Robert Bowman - Keyboard Artist and Educator

Friday, August 22, 2008 - House Concert - Oroville, CA

Friday, August 29, 2008 - Hillside Club - Berkeley, CA

AN EVENING OF PIANO MUSIC
featuring
Dr. Robert Bowman

Friday, August 22, 2008
Home Studio of Patty Blissenbach
1270 Mt. Ida Road
Oroville, California
7:30 p.m.

PROGRAM

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Sonata #1 in F Minor, Op. 1: Allegro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
   Sonata #8 in A Minor, K 310
   Allegro maestoso
   Andante cantabile con espressione
   Presto

Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869)
   Le Bananier (Chanson Nègre), Op. 5
   Morte!!(Lamentation)
   Souvenir de Porto Rico (Marche des Gibaros), Op. 31
   Le Banjo (Esquisse Américaine), Op. 15

Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
   Sonata in F major, Kk. 44, Allegro
   Sonata in C minor, Kk. 84, Presto
   Sonata in F minor, Kk. 238, Andante
   Sonata in F minor, Kk. 239, Allegro

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
   Sonata #3 in F minor, Op. 5
   Allegro maestoso
   Andante. Andante espressivo - Andante molto
   Scherzo. Allegro energico avec trio
   Intermezzo (Rückblick / Regard en arrière) Andante molto
   Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato

The Artist:

Keyboard artist ROBERT BOWMAN has performed extensively on the West and East Coasts of the United States in solo and chamber ensemble recitals, numerous appearances with orchestra, and on radio and television since 1960. He has also performed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, and Prague (Czech Republic). He has also performed and lectured for state conventions and local branches of the Illinois State Music Teachers, CAPMT, MTAC, AGO, and Northern Nevada Music Teachers Association.

He received a BA in music and MA in Orchestral Conducting from Stanford University as well as a DMA in piano and harpsichord performance from the University of Southern California. His principal teachers and coaches include Gertrude E. Weeth, Adolph Baller, Martin Canin, John Crown, Alice Ehlers, Nina Scolnik, and Marc Steiner. He has performed in master classes with Rosina Lhevinne, Karl Ulrich Schnabel, Dorothy Taubman, and Edna Golandsky.

He has taught on the music faculties of U.S.C., Eastern Illinois University, and California State University, Chico where he was coordinator of the keyboard program for 33 years and Certification Program in Keyboard Pedagogy for the past 7 years. He was awarded Professor Emeritus in 2003 and fully retired at the end of the Spring Semester 2008 after teaching half-time for the past 5 years. He also maintains a private piano studio in Chico, presents keyboard master classes and interactive workshops on a wide variety of subjects, and has been an active adjudicator for festivals and competitions throughout California and Nevada including the U.S. Open Piano Competition in Oakland, Ca. He recently returned from performing in 5 concerts in Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden, Germany as well as teaching a one-week course entitled "The Joy of Improvisation" at the Musik Hochschule in Karlsruhe.

Excerpts of representative reviews:

Lecture-recital--“From Gottschalk to Gershwin: 50 years of American Music” for the Piano-Podium, Karlsruhe, Germany, July 4,1998:
“…Robert E. Bowman[‘s] …knowledgeable reflections and commentaries about history, composers and their works which he, as an experienced pianist interpreted brilliantly and to which he obviously demonstrated a strong affinity…[Works of MacDowell] Here the pianist paid much attention to romanticisms and expansive gesture.”…”This stimulating evening culminated with George Gershwin…[he] played the traditionally arranged “Three Preludes” (1926) with great emotional richness, vitality, and color. For the extremely heartfelt applause he conveyed his appreciation with the Rhapsody in B minor by Johannes Brahms.” Christine Voigt, Badische Neueste Nachrichten, Karlsruhe, Germany, 7/9/98.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue:
“Bowman gives fresh interpretation of the blues”…””Piano soloist, Robert Bowman, gave a bravura performance of Geroge Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ which brought the entire audience to its feet at the conclusion...His zest and enthusiasm for the Gershwin perennial favorite was evidenced by his performance…Dr. Bowman gave full play to the luricism of Gershiwin’s themes, providing marked contrast to the strident “jazz” mode…at the conclusion of Dr. Bowman’s performance, the audience sprang to its feet and shook the walls and rafters with their applause…” Charlotte Russell, Paradise Post, 3/5/98.

Rachmaninoff’s Concerto #3 in d minor with David Colson (1997) and Walter Dahlin (1980) conducting the Chico Symphony Orchestra:
“I cannot get the opening theme out of my head—nor, I suppose, can anyone who heard Pianist Robert Bowman and the Chico Symphony’s magnificent performance of Rachmaninoff”s Third Piano Concerto this past weekend…Bowman, himself of Russian background and deeply engaged in the work, began the statement a bit tentatively Saturday night, more firmly Sunday afternoon, but it mattered little, so deeply felt was the playing and so excellent the orchestral accompaniment. Indeed, five minutes into the Third concerto….the sizable Laxson Hall audience was totally captured…Absolutely thrilling!” Ernst Schoen-Rene, Chico News and Review, 3/6/97

…”on behalf of both the orchestra members and myself, I want to thank you for the terrific performances you gave of the Rachmaninoff Concerto. You inspired us throughout---and were a delight to work with during rehearsl sessions as well.” Letter from Dr. Walter Dahlin, conductor of the Chico Symphony Orchestra, 10/31/80.

Faculty Concert at CSU, Chico:
“The concert concluded with Robert Bowman playing a pair of Brahms Rhapsodies (Op. 79). Bowman is very much at home with Brahms, and his playing was lush and warm, supported by a firm, clean left hand…I am always amazed at how many notes Bowman can keep in his head and send pouring out of his piano.” Ernst Schoen-Rene, Chico News and Review, 9/21/95

Schumann’s Concert Allegro with Introduction:
… Dr. Bowman gave luster and distinction to his performance. The evenness of his technical proficiency in both hands gave a beautiful tonal balance to his playing. And the audience’s response was all an artist could desire.” Charlotte Russell, Paradise Post, 4/19/94

Mozart Concerto #17 in G major, Ashland, Oregon:
…“it is rare to hear such an outstanding performance of a Mozart piano concerto as the one played by pianist Robert Bowman with the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra…Bowman’s polished touch emphasized Mozart’s musical elegance…deep, tender tones…elegant technique…” Mary Ann Campbell, Ashland Tribune, July 1, 1988.

Brahms’ Piano Concerto #2 in Bb major:
“An evening that balanced the Brahms second piano concerto (in a polished, even-handed performance conducted by music director Daniel Kingman, with Robert Bowman, soloist)...” Bruce Nixon, The Sacramento Bee, 2/29/88.

…”Many Accolades, ovations to Johannes Brahms and Robert Bowman who brought a life time of music to us…” Betty Crowder, MTAC, Butte County Branch, 10/22/84.

Piano/Harpsichord Recitals at Cabrillo College in Aptos, Ca and CSU, Chico:
“Robert Bowman and Rachmaninoff’s Preludes for piano, Op. 32….were a highlight of the concert… I enjoyed every number…” Letter from Ane Wakau, Santa Cruz, 4/24/84

“…Bowman played a challenging program ranging from J.S. Bach, to Beethoven, Couperin, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff, followed by a Chopin encore.”…”The piano pieces were the standouts, with Bowman showing considerable emotion, style and sensitivity most notably in the Brahms and Rachmaninoff.” Jeff Hudson, Green Sheet from Aptos local paper, 1/25/84.

“Bowman next played two sonatas for harpsichord by Domenico Scarlatti…both with grace and affection…[Two harpsichord pieces by Francois Couperin]…Playing it requires great boldness and precision, and Bowman handled it with confidence and dexterity, his hands flying over the keys, often crossing each other, as he shifted between the moods.” Robert Speer, Chico News and Review, 9/15/83.

Mozart Piano Concerto in Bb performed with the Chico Symphony Orchestra at CSU, Chico and Oroville, Ca November, 1977:
…”This difficult piece presented a remarkable firm-fingered, yet sensual delivery. His gradation of dynamics was smooth, if not flawless. ..The Allegro [3rd movement] was quick and bright…Remarkable here was Bowman’s marvelous expression…” Bartha Days Swinnerton, Chico News and Review, 11/15/77

The symphony…blended with the skillfully executed arpeggios, trills, and runs of the first movement…Dr. Bowman pulled out the emotional qualities of Mozart usually heard in a romantic work… The gentle second movement was played with sweet and lush tone…The third movement was an exciting contrast…[Bowman} thrilled the audience, which showed its appreciation by four curtain calls.” Wilma Stevens Oroville Mercury Register, 11/10/77.

Two Letters of Recommendation (1967):
“he is a talented harpsichordist and pianist and has proven this in a number of fine recitals…I think that this kind of music making would be quite pleasing to European audiences, particularly in Germany and England. He has an excellent musical mind and knows how to project this into the music he performs. One thing in his favor is his instrumental versatility….as well as his stylistic versatility which ranges from expert performances of baroque music (in which he is some what of a specialist) to the moderns.” Ingolf Dahl, School of Music, University of Southern California, Letter of Recommendation. 1/28/67

“I have known Mr. Bowman for many years… He is a highly gifted performer with an excellent knowledge of the literature. His technique is accomplished and his musical grasp is very impressive.” Gabor Rejto, Chairman, string Department, School of Music, University of Southern California. Letter of Recommendation. 1/26/67

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Robert Bowman
In Recital
Friday August 29th at 8:00 PM
Admission $15 ($10 for HSC members and Seniors)
The Berkeley Hillside Club
2286 Cedar Street
Berkeley 94709
Info: (510) 845-1350

The Berkeley Hillside Club is delighted to welcome back to our stage keyboard artist Robert Bowman in a concert of keyboard music spanning three centuries, including works by Prokofiev, Mozart, Scarlatti, Gottschalk, and Brahms. Don't miss this wonderful artist performing in our acoustically- States in solo and chamber ensemble recitals, numerous appearances with orchestra, and on radio and television since 1960. He has also performed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, and Prague (Czech Republic). He has also performed and lectured for state conventions and local branches of the Illinois State Music Teachers, CAPMT, MTAC, AGO, and Northern Nevada Music Teachers Association.

He received a BA in music and MA in Orchestral Conducting from Stanford University as well as a DMA in piano and harpsichord performance from the University of Southern California. His principal teachers and coaches include Gertrude E. Weeth, Adolph Baller, Martin Canin, John Crown, Alice Ehlers, Nina Scolnik, and Marc Steiner. He has performed in master classes with Rosina Lhevinne, Karl Ulrich Schnabel, Dorothy Taubman, and Edna Golandsky.
He has taught on the music faculties of U.S.C., Eastern Illinois University, and California State University, Chico where he was coordinator of the keyboard program for 33 years and Certification Program in Keyboard Pedagogy for the past 7 years. He was awarded Professor Emeritus in 2003 and fully retired at the end of the Spring Semester 2008 after teaching half-time for the past 5 years. He also maintains a private piano studio in Chico, presents keyboard master classes and interactive workshops on a wide variety of subjects, and has been an active adjudicator for festivals and competitions throughout California and Nevada including the U.S. Open Piano Competition in Oakland, Ca. He recently returned from performing in 5 concerts in Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden, Germany as well as teaching a one-week course entitled "The Joy of Improvisation" at the Musik Hochschule in Karlsruhe.

The Program:
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Sonata #1 in F Minor, Op. 1: Allegro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Sonata #8 in A Minor, K 310
Allegro maestoso
Andante cantabile con espressione
Presto
Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869)
Le Bananier (Chanson Nègre), Op. 5
Morte!!(Lamentation)
Souvenir de Porto Rico (Marche des Gibaros), Op. 31
Le Banjo (Esquisse Américaine), Op. 15
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata in F major, Kk. 44, Allegro
Sonata in C minor, Kk. 84, Presto
Sonata in F minor, Kk. 238, Andante
Sonata in F minor, Kk. 239, Allegro
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Sonata #3 in F minor, Op. 5
Allegro maestoso
Andante. Andante espressivo - Andante molto
Scherzo. Allegro energico avec trio
Intermezzo (Rückblick / Regard en arrière) Andante molto
Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato

VIVACE PLAYERS:
The Vivace Players present concerts with two to four performers presenting intriguing and diverse programs including solos, duos, trios, and quartets. The group consists of the following performers:

DR. ROBERT BOWMAN, keyboard artist, Professor Emeritus, was the coordinator of the Keyboard Program at California State University, Chico for 33 years and currently teaches private and class piano, a keyboard performance seminar, and keyboard pedagogy. He began semi-retirement in Fall, 2003. He received a B.A. degree in music and a M.A. degree in orchestral conducting from Stanford University, as well as a D.M.A. degree in piano and harpsichord performance from University of Southern California. He has performed extensively on the West and East Coasts of the United States in solo and chamber ensemble recitals, numerous appearances with orchestra, and on radio-tv since 1960, and also performed solo and ensemble recitals in Germany and Austria in 1987, 1990, and 2000. During June 2001, he performed in Prague with German violinist Alfred Csammer and gave an introductory lecture on the Dorothy Taubman Approach for the international piano organization--Piano Podium in Karlsruhe, Germany. He appeared as guest conductor and piano soloist with the Paradise Symphony in December, 2001. He is the pianist in the Vivace Players having performed in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 2002 and 2004, Incline Village, during July 2001,2002, and 2003, and at Western Kentucky State Univerity in October of 2003. He is a regular judge for the Northern Nevada Music Teachers Association festival in Reno, Nevada and the U.S. Open Piano Competition in Oakland, California.

DR. HEIDI PINTNER has recently joined the faculty at Western Kentucky University as Assistant Professor of Music, where she teaches Applied Flute Lessons, directs the Western Kentucky University Flute Choir, and teaches music theory. In addition to her job at WKU, she also performs with the Owensboro Symphony and the Evansville Philharmonic. Prior to her appointment at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Pintner served as on the music faculty at California State University, Chico, where she taught flute, music theory, and various courses in musicology. She is an active member of the National Flute Association and is also a member of the College Music Society and Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honorary society. Dr. Pintner holds degrees in flute performance from the Oberlin Conservatory (BM '94) and the Florida State University (MM '96 and DM '98). Her former teachers include Charles DeLaney (Florida State University), Michel Debost (Oberlin Conservatory), Kathleen Chastain (Oberlin Conservatory), Mary Kay Fink (Cleveland Orchestra), John Rautenberg (Cleveland Orchestra), and Joseph Juhos (Cleveland Institute of Music). In Spring 2003, she was the featured soloist with the CSU, Chico Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She has served as a judge for instrumental competitions in California and Kentucky.

Other performers:
DR. RUSSELL BURNHAM, DMA, clarinet
DAVID MALLORY, MA, violin

Recent concerts:
Incline Village Chamber Music Society (Pintner-Bowman-Burnham-solos, duos and trios) July, 2001
San Miguel el Grande Pro Musica (Mallory-Burnham-Bowman-solos, duos, trios) January, 2002
Incline Village Chamber Music Society, July 2002, July 2003 (Pintner-Bowman Duo-solos and duos)
Western Kentucky State University, Monday, October 13, 2003 (Pintner-Bowman Duo-solos and duos)
San Miguel el Grande Pro Musica, A.C. (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)

(See representative programs below:)

PINTNER-BOWMAN DUO
Program #1. Friday, January 9, 2004
CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Prelude #10 (Book I)"Maiden with the flaxen hair" arr. by R. Bowman
L'Isle Joyeuse for piano)

GEORGES ENESCO (1881-1955)
Cantabile and Presto for flute and piano.

SAMUEL BARBER (1910-1981)
"Canzona" for Flute and Piano from Piano Concerto

FRANZ DOPPLER (1812-1883)
Fantaisie pastorale hongroise , Op. 26 for flute and piano

INTERMISSION
WILLIAM GRANT STILL (1895-1978)
"Summerland" for flute and piano from Three Visions (1936)

CARL REINECKE (1824-1910)
SONATA "Undine", Op. 167 for flute and piano

Program #2. Sunday, January 11, 2004
J.S. BACH (1685-1750)
Trio Sonata#5 in e major for flute and keyboard

WILLIAM GRANT STILL (1895-1978)
"Summerland" for flute and piano from Three Visions (1936)

SERGEI PROKOFIEFF (1891-1953
Sonata in D major, Op. 94 for flute and piano

INTERMISSION
FRANZ SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Introduction and Variations on "Trockne Blumen", Op. 160 for flute and piano

CECILE CHAMINADE (1857-1944)
Concertino, Op. 107 for flute and piano

GARY SCHOCKER
Airborne for flute and piano (1991)

RECENT SOLO RECITAL BY ROBERT BOWMAN:
CSU, Chico Music Department, March, 28, 2003

PROGRAM:
J.S. BACH (1685-1750)
Partita #5 in G major

L. van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Sonata quasi una fantasia, Op. 27 #1

Fr. CHOPIN (1810-1848)
Barcarolle, Op. 57

CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
L'Isle Joyeuse (1910)

INTERMISSION

JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833-1897)
SONATA#3 in F minor, Op. 5

UPCOMING SOLO RECITALS:

Performing Arts Society of Redding, April 8, 2004 , 7 p.m.
Contact person: Leslie Holden (530) 246-7298

Music Department, Boise State University (Idaho), May 9, 2004, 4 p.m.
Contact person: Dr. James Cook (208) 426-1773

OTHER SOLO RECITALS IN PREPARATION:
FROM GOTTSCHALK TO GERSHWIN: 90 YEARS OF AMERICAN PIANO MUSIC