"Dusan
Bogdanovic’s Sevdalinka , with its Bartókian/Eastern European melodies, modal
harmony, and Balkan/African polymetric rhythms, is a colorful introduction to
this eclectic recital by the Newman/Oltman guitar duo. Strings, courtesy of the
Daedalus Quartet, vigorously propel the outer movements; in the third, drumming
on the guitar bodies increases the rhythmic excitement while adding ethnic color
and mysteriously enhances the gradually intensifying Adagio espressivo... As
might be expected from such an experienced duo, Newman and Oltman are completely
in synch with the program’s fluctuating moods and idioms, and play flawlessly.
The Daedalus Quartet’s playing in Sevdalinka is similarly top-notch. A winner
all around."
Robert Schulslaper,
Fanfare ~ November / December 2009
"[Newman
& Oltman's] performances are consistently fine... Newman & Oltman play
all this material with high artistry and a strong grasp of the essence of some
very challenging music."
American Record
Guide ~ May / June 2009
Raritan
River Music (RRM) was founded in 1989 to serve a rural community in western
New Jersey with chamber music concerts in historic venues and outreach programs
in health care facilities and schools. In
1999 RRM established the New Music Commissioning Program. We, along with many
others throughout history, believe that the creation of new music is the
essential reason to perform and present music. Without new compositions,
performance loses vitality and, more important, relevance. Patronage is
necessary to allow artists the freedom to express their most truthful, daring
visions, which may not be popular or familiar to their audience. Posterity will
judge the results.
This
CD, our 12th over the past thirty-five years,
represents fifteen years of planning, rehearsing and performing this new music
around the world, plus dozens of grant application submissions, meetings with
composers and foundation directors, trips to work with composers in California,
New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota and more.
Five
of the six selections on this CD were premiered at the annual Raritan River
Music Festival in New Jersey, and four were commissioned by RRM for The Newman
& Oltman Guitar Duo. (The Sierra piece was composed for the Gray and Pearl
Duo; we performed the New York premiere. Vamos and Avers wrote their
collaboratively-composed music while still college students.) The compositions
presented here represent a wide variety of individual perspectives and
compositional styles. Some of the composers are well established and widely
known and others are just beginning their careers. We encourage you to visit
their websites to learn more about their myriad accomplishments and performances
of their works.
All
the composers commissioned through RRM speak with the audiences at the premiere
performances, and most spend days with us at area schools. The composers help
de-mystify their work by sharing in discussion and demonstration during outreach
programs that foster within the community a sense of appreciation and
participation in the music's creation. Since the premieres, the pieces have been
performed around the world.
Our
heartfelt thanks go to all the foundations and individuals who supported these
commissions and the recording project, as well as to the RRM Board of Trustees
for their commitment and undying enthusiasm for the vital work of the
organization.
We
hope that you enjoy the amazing diversity of the music on this recording. It has
been a remarkable journey to bring it to you.
Laura
Oltman and Michael Newman
Carpentersville,
New Jersey
