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GERMANY "BEETHOVEN'S RIDDLES SOLVED...What distinguishes his playing
is the elasticity, in the smallest detail as well as in the whole. Every
phrase is pliably formed and naturally delivered...Under his hands, technical
and formal problems dissolve into the unity of a work of art." "EXCITING PRESENCE ON THE CONCERT STAGE...polished virtuosity
and pellucidity of phrasing...an ebullient spirit...nothing less than
enchanting." SWITZERLAND "What
mastery and virtuosity this pianist possesses!" ITALY “With
true mastery, he performed etudes of Debussy, Chopin, Scriabin, and Liszt,
and the sonata of Samuel Barber. The warmest applause came from the audience,
whom the artist treated to two encores by Dave Brubeck.” PORTUGAL SPAIN "PRODIGIOUS
MAESTRO...Closing the delightful evening was Brahms' Sonata in C Major,
Op. 1, in which Salmon displayed an energetic pianism throughout, marked
by captivating impetuousness and pathos. The whole effect was of great
depth and conceptual integrity. Especially outstanding was the fluid and
elegant finale which made of this fascinating sonata a wonder of expression
and dynamism. A concert to remember, one that creates fans and gives them
the means to contrast the virtuosity of masters." COSTA
RICA UNITED
STATES "John
Salmon's performance showed why he has won so many competitions. His playing
could be both bold and breezy...elegant, engaging, even ingratiating." "PIANIST
JOHN SALMON GIVES SUPERB CONCERT...Salmon set his audience on fire...absolutely
breathtaking." "Thundering
applause brought the pianist back...The audience loved guest performer
John Salmon's rendition of Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2." "IMPRESSIVE
SOLOIST OPENS PIANO SERIES" "...stunning...virtuosic
piano playing at its best...exquisitely passionate." "John
Salmon thrilled an SRO audience with a program of Romantic piano music." "A
towering presence...mesmerizing boldness and confidence." "Salmon
set fire to the keyboard from one end to the other." "PIANIST
SHINES IN RETURN TO HIS HOME TERRITORY...Fort Worth-born and educated
pianist John Salmon returned to the area for a scintillating performance."
"Great
credit should go to John Salmon of the UNCG piano faculty who is also
the director and guiding spirit of [Focus on Piano Literature]. His organizational
skills are impressive, but his artistic abilities at the keyboard are
altogether remarkable...in all respects, in an elevated class by itself." “John
Salmon’s jazz arrangement of ‘As Time Goes By’ by Herman
Hupfeld was a hit with the larger-than-normal audience. Pianist Salmon
started with a straightforward playing of the hit song from Casablanca
and began to embroider it before it was taken up in turn by Steve Haines
on double bass and Thomas Taylor on drums. Each player had his chance
to shine, cadenza-like, and the ensemble improvisation was on a high level.” “Salmon
played splendidly, showing from the outset the outstanding pianism that
has made him one of our finest mid-generation artists. It is apparent
that Salmon can play superlatively well just about anything he decides
to take up.”
“All
of this music is appealing, and it is well played by John Salmon, who
seems as home with the jazzy Brubeck moments as with the Ivesian.” “Salmon’s
consistently rewarding interpretations of these infrequently performed
Brubeck pieces receive great praise from the composer himself, with good
reason. Very highly recommended.” "Sitting
down to what I thought might be a novelty, I was ill-prepared for this
brilliant recording [“John Salmon Plays Brubeck Piano Compositions,”
Phoenix PHCD 130]. John Salmon is remarkably persuasive. He seems equally
conversant in jazz and classical realms, and melds the two with an uncanny
conjunction of clarity and poignancy." “Listeners
are fortunate to discover [Brubeck’s piano pieces] through the expert
hands of John Salmon…The pianist’s main achievement is to
show with clarity the logic of Brubeck’s compositions without sacrificing
their mellifluousness. He successfully brings out the natural playfulness
of the music.” Reviews of John Salmon Plays Brubeck (Naxos 8.559212): "The
performance on this disc by John Salmon is of the highest caliber. He
plays beautifully, both with precision and expertise, and pulls the most
out of each note. His facility at the keyboard is wonderful. If a better
performance of these works can be done, I would be amazed... this disc
is truly excellent. The music is a joy. The performance is exquisite.
Very highly recommended." “Salmon
is the ideal interpreter for this music; he has a flawless technique,
an absolutely sure sense of rhythm, and keeps a firm structure.”
“Altogether
this is an interesting and enlightening recording. Play it and see.” “This
Naxos disc shows that Brubeck can knock up a triple fugue with the best
of them. The present pieces show rich talent.” “In
pianist John Salmon’s hands, these works are alluring, convincing,
and seasoned with subtle surprises.” “I
suspect that people will want to listen to this music when much else has
fallen by the wayside.” Salmon and Brubeck (cvnc.org) |
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