Excerpted from Jean Bartlett’s Pacifica Tribune Review of
The San Francisco Concerto Orchestra’s January 2006 Competition for Musicians of All Ages:
“Clarinetist Jessica Skelton strolled a silky smooth stream of powerful clarinet as she introduced the . . . Brahms First Sonata for Piano and Clarinet. . . .Accompanied by pianist Kenn Gartner, the piece was wondrous and wandering, gliding the listener through a haunting walk of jack-o-lanterns and faerie dust.”
Pacifica Tribune Jean Bartlett’s Review of The San Francisco Concerto Orchestra’s November 2006 International Competition:
“Ms. Soriano’s piano presentation was merry-go-round waltz and Parisian concertina. Next Soriano played “Sur le Fil” again by Tierson and again from Amalie. Soriano played chalky notes, hopscotching through snowflakes and winter windows. Her left hand crossed over her right to accent the cool of the night. Bits of Spanish dance poured beneath her agile hands, which easily switched to arpeggio and storm. Ms. Soriano’s last piece of the evening was “Prelude in C sharp minor” (Rachmaninov). Through foreboding descending chords, Soriano on masterpiece piano defined inspired gloom. The passages of notes are complex. The piece itself heads down towards the shadow where tenseness increases until it turns the corner towards its final driven mood. Within the piece there is powerful beauty and Soriano found every note and nuance.”
Community School of Music and Arts, Mountain View – November 20, 2006:
Recently, one of his male vocal students won the romantic lead in his college’s musical his first time out as a freshman! Subsequently he won the role of Tony in West Side Story at his college. Another student, a sixth grader, won the only Superior rating in Voice at the 2006 California Music Educators’ Association’s Adjudication Festival at Sonoma State. Additionally, Doctor Gartner coaches singers in roles and for auditions.
Jean Bartlett for South Bay Spotlight:
With wonderfully slamming irregularities, and a bit of boogie-woogie, pianist Kenn Gartner sashayed out the novelty rag “Brass Knuckles” by William Bolcom and William Albright. Gartner played this modern day street-smart rag with a smooth liquid sly, and an obvious understanding of both the classical rugged touch, let’s hear it for Beethoven – and a constant tip of the hat to a march tempo bass line. Unafraid of pyrotechnics that nearly made the grand all wobbly; Gartner put on a showman’s cap and played this smoke house rocker to a hall of seat-bouncing toe-tappers. Gartner also played a series of Bach pieces: “French Suite in E major, Menuet;” the “Adagio” from the “Italian Concerto” and five short preludes written by Bach for his children. Gartner played unhurried and Bach astute, but his “Brass Knuckles” won the day.
Pacifica Tribune November 15, 2006:
Pianist Kenn Gartner filled the final performance spot of the evening and he began with a little inspirational cha cha cha of insight and musicality called the Bach minuet. Then Gartner strutted his piano stuff in a full-blown exceptionally listenable treatment of “Liebestraum” by Franz Liszt. “For Theresa” is most likely the real title of a Beethoven chart topper. However when the printer could not read the deceased Beethoven’s scrawl, he typeset “Für Elise” and the rest as they say is history. This piece which starts with a deceptively plaintive right hand theme appreciatively accompanied by left hand arpeggios soon works itself into a menacing theme set over a pedal point with flourishing arpeggios knocking on just about every door. In Gartner’s capable hands the audience is reminded the piece is famous because it deserves all the credit of any great work of art.
Plenty of aplomb, showmanship and glorious passagework met their indelible mark with Kenn Gartner’s piano presentation of the dramatic, exciting piece that is “Fire Dance” by Manuel de Falla y Matheu. Especially impressive was when Gartner would throw his hands up high in the air before landing them again on this legendary work. Wow! Putting his distinguished baritone to use; Gartner accompanied his piano with vocal on a rousing, melt-away version of Rudyard Kipling’s “On The Road To Mandalay” set to music by Oley Speaks. The evening was a wonderful expression of thrill and pleasure. Who could choose one winner?
The New York Times:
“Mr. Gartner dispatched each work with admirable energy.…[He] brings genuine commitment to his playing….a rare ingredient.” (Robert Sherman)
The Cornell Daily Sun:
“His playing [of Chopin’s Premier Ballade] was powerful and frightening.”
N.Y. Staats-Zeitung:
“He played with sensitivity and delicacy [and] brought forth the undivided approbation of the entire house. He represents the unique combination of outstanding music teacher and virtuoso pianist.” (F. Gutman)
Berliner Zeitung (Berlin, Germany):
“[His Ravel] was transformed into shimmering dream images and [his Liszt] was demonic.” (K.W.)
Het Binnenhof (The Hague, Netherlands):
“He played Ravel like a master.…An outstanding pianist….Gartner intensely makes music.” (K.S.)Dr. Gartner’s mentoring of a 16-year-old clarinetist enabled her to win the only Superior rating in Clarinet at Sonoma State College’s 2006 CMEA Adjudication. Previously she was awarded Superior in the 2005 Sonoma State Festival and a Gold Medal at the Sacramento State Adjudication Festival (open only to those who previously received a Superior rating in their local festival).
