ANDREW PARKER

• Franz Schubert: Die Forelle, D.776

“Transcriptions can be treacherous territory, perhaps more with songs than any other form... Oboist Andrew Parker, however, does a creditable job; and his sweet, singing sound is especially appropriate for this endeavor. He compensates for the lack of text with beautiful phrasing, tasteful use of vibrato, and a nice dynamic range. Pianist Alan Huckleberry plays beautifully and sensitively, and his work in ‘Gretchen am Spinnrade’ is particularly effective... this recording is charming and enjoyable, and will please people who prefer their
songs without words.”

Pfeil, American Record Guide [March/April 2016]

“Parker’s playing is sensitive, in music that demands this far more than technical virtuosity… the avowed purpose of singing through the instrument is creditably demonstrated. His playing of Schubert’s Nacht und Träume is a particularly good example of what he can achieve… Pianist Huckleberry is a considerate and supportive accompanist, as well. In fact, for what they are, the performances really are good. The engineering is expert, with a creditable sense of space and excellent presence with minimal mechanical and breathing noise... If you are above all a lover of the oboe, and want to hear it in unaccustomed but familiar and attractive repertoire, here is a pleasant opportunity.”

Ronald E. Grames, Fanfare [November/December 2015]

“Parker and pianist Alan Huckleberry offer thoughtful, emotionally involving interpretations of works whose storytelling was always uppermost in their composers’ minds but that communicate effectively even in the absence of words... Listeners who know [the original Die Forelle] song or its quartet version will find the Parker-Huckleberry transcription quite appealing, and indeed, all of these Schubert songs sing forth here with delicacy, lyricism and a kind of compelling purity. They no longer say what Schubert intended them to say, it is true, but they do speak out pleasantly and emotionally. ”

Mark J. Estren, Infodad [September 2015]

“[9 / 9] If you prefer your German lieder without singers, consider this disc. Oboist Andrew Parker takes favorite songs by Beethoven and Schubert along with the entire Schumann Dichterliebe cycle and essentially appropriates the vocal lines for his instrument, and the concept really works. Not only does Parker command a pleasant, singing sonority, but he also gauges his vibrato with expressive discretion. In strophic songs where the text ordinarily informs one’s interpretive game plan, Parker compensates by adjusting his phrasing and articulation… Alan Huckleberry is far more than a mere accompanist; he imbues the piano parts with pinpointed articulation and multi-dimensional character. His ripplingly clear treatment of Gretchen am Spinnrade’s gentle arpeggiated figurations are right up there with Edwin Fischer and Gerald Moore, and that’s the ultimate compliment!... Parker and Huckleberry collaborate splendidly, and the excellent engineering does full justice to their sensitive musicianship.”

Jed Distler, Classics Today [September 2015]

From Andrew Parker: "I was often told to 'sing' when I play my instrument. The concept always sounded so good and right, but what does it really mean? Is it simply a way to think about using vibrato? Is it a way to better understand voicing intervals? It is those things, without a doubt, but I believe it is far more intimate than a method by which to approach the mechanical facets of playing an instrument; it is an act of alchemy. Instrumentalists must, through mindful, passionate practice, transform our instrument into our voice. Our instruments must become another singing part of our body. It is ultimately an act of letting go of the belief that the instrument is a “thing” that is separate from ourselves in any way. Only then can the music be channeled through us with clarity, depth and emotional heft."

An active and versatile musician, American oboist Andrew Parker has performed as a soloist with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Great Falls Symphony, and  University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra. Parker has also performed with the National Arts Center Orchestra, Florida Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Flint Symphony Orchestra, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony and Solisti New York. He has held the English horn fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival and is currently principal oboe of the Quad City Symphony. Parker has taught and coached chamber music at numerous international music festivals,  including the Hartwick Festival in New York, Kinhaven Music School in Vermont and Festival de Música de Santa Catarina (FEMUSC) in Brazil. Parker earned a Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music, a Master’s degree at Yale University, and completed doctoral studies at the University of Michigan as the Graduate Student Instructor. Currently Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Iowa, he will take up the position of Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Texas in Austin in 2015. Andrew Parker plays a Lorée Royal oboe.

Pianist Alan Huckleberry is recognized as a multi-faceted artist on the classical music scene. He has performed in recital as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Central and South America. In addition to his performing career, Huckleberry is equally as passionate about his role as an educator. He is currently on the piano faculty at the University of Iowa where he heads the piano pedagogy program, which is recognized as one of the leading programs in the nation. He is a sought-after speaker on pedagogical topics, including talks at all major  conferences in the field. As a performer, Huckleberry’s repertoire includes not only the standard works of the piano literature, but new music as well, evidenced by a long list of compositions written for him. Most recently, he and pianist Jason Sifford have undertaken the substantial project involving recording on video the complete standard repertoire for beginner through intermediate piano students, making them available on
their YouTube channel UIPianoPed.
  LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Adelaide, Op.46

FRANZ SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Du bist die Ruh, D.776
Die Forelle, D.550
Frühlingsglaube, D.686
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D.118
Nacht und Träume, D.827

ROBERT SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
DICHTERLIEBE, OP.48
1. Im wunderschönen Monat Mai
2. Aus meinen Tränen sprießen
3. Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne
4. Wenn ich in deine Augen seh
5. Ich will meine Seele tauchen
6. Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome
7. Ich grolle nicht
8. Und wüßten’s die Blumen, die kleinen
9. Das ist ein Flöten und Geigen
10. Hör’ ich das Liedchen klingen
11. Ein Jüngling liebt ein Mädchen
12. Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen
13. Ich hab’ im Traum geweinet
14. Allnächtlich im Traume
15. Aus alten Märchen winkt es
16. Die alten, bösen Lieder



MSR Classics