Pianist Fred Karpoff to present all-Edward MacDowell recitals Nov. 13 and 17 at Syracuse University

Pianist Fred Karpoff to present all-Edward MacDowell recitals Nov. 13 and 17 at Syracuse UniversityNovember 08, 2002Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

Pianist Fred Karpoff will present a recital of the music of Edward MacDowell (1860-1908), the first American composer to gain international recognition, at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 and 17 in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium in Syracuse University’s Crouse College. The recitals are free and open to the public.

Karpoff is working on a CD of MacDowell’s works. The recitals have been scheduled to complete live concert recordings for the CD. “My best recorded work has always come with the electricity of a live performance rather than through studio recordings,” Karpoff says. “This project is one of my major undertakings during my current sabbatical, which extends for the entire 2002-03 academic year.”

MacDowell was born and died in New York City but received his music education and training in Europe, Karpoff says. Thus, his compositions are more reflective of German romanticism rather than the uniquely American styles that emerged through the works of Ives, Gershwin, Copland and others. Among the MacDowell works Karpoff will perform are “Sea Pieces, Op.55,” “Norse” Sonata, No. 3, Op. 57″ and “Sonata Eroica” No. 2, Op., 50, which is loosely based on the legend of King Arthur.

Karpoff has performed in concert as a soloist and collaborative pianist throughout North America, Europe and Africa. He has played at the Rutgers Summerfest, the Skaneateles and Siena (Italy) music festivals, and in recitals on public radio stations throughout the United States. He has collaborated with the Cassatt Quartet, Larry Combs, Eric Ruske, the Los Angeles Piano Quartet and the New World and Chicago String Quartets.