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Violin
An accomplished performer and recording artist, Fritz Gearhart has been heard in major halls around the country, including Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Recital Hall, the 92nd Street Y, as well as the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center. Three compact discs featuring Mr. Gearhart were released in 1996 on the Koch International, Centaur and Albany labels. All have been met with enthusiastic praise from the press: "Gearhart is a bold assertive player... a powerful exponent" (Strad), "Sensitive, intelligent playing" (Orbis Internet), "deeply committed and wholly convincing" (Fanfare Magazine). His 1998 Koch release (Quincy Porter: the unpublished manuscripts) has also received several glowing reviews, including this comment from NetRadio's Bill Parker - "Gearhart is a violinist of formidable technical skill, masterful phrasing, and total commitment." In 1999 a live performance of this material was featured on NPR's Performance Today.
Gearhart's chamber music background includes several years as first violinist of the Chester String Quartet which was singled out as a highlight of the 1989 American String Quartet congress. His work with the quartet culminated in a 1992 compact disc of American string quartets also on Koch International. In addition to his chamber music collaborations, Mr. Gearhart maintains a busy performance schedule as soloist and recitalist. In September 1999 he made his third consecutive appearance on the Mid-America concert series in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie with pianist John Owings.
Tastefully blending his own personality with the historical perspective, critics and audiences have responded enthusiastically to his performances: "What made the Mozart extraordinary was the beautifully supported airiness of the musical line, the sure sense of purpose and destination as that line evolved, the deft turns of phrase, and the control of tonal coloration" (Buffalo News). Mr. Gearhart has often been heard on National Public Radio including live broadcasts on WFMT Chicago and WQXR New York. Mr. Gearhart is currently on the faculty of the University of Oregon School of Music and a member of the Oregon String Quartet.
Contact details and further information
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For further details, see Fritz Gearhart's home pages ; additional photos here.