Reviews and Comments

Newsome, Joseph, “CD REVIEW: J. Brandon, D.A. Ciancaglini, D. Farney, & G. Steinke: ELEMENTS   - Contemporary Music for Bassoon (Susan Nelson, bassoon; MSR Classics MS 1477) Voix des   Arts (A Vocie for the Arts), May 28, 2015, (review of SUSPENDED)

Balik, Jessica, “Contemporary Music, Pluralism as One,”  San Francisco Classical Voice, July 26, 2014,   (review of Festival of Contemporary Music in SF of RANDOM BLACKOUTS I (Image Music XXXIII))

Guy, Brenden, “Contemporary Talent at Trinity Chamber Concerts, Berkeley, “ Bachtrack (online),   June 23, 2012, (review of 10th Festival of Contemporary Music in SF of ONE by ONE (Image Music II))

Luks, Joel, “A composer's legacy lives on: Robert Avalon new music competition hosts winners concert,” Culture Map Houston (online), May 19, 2012 (review of EXPRESSIONS III (Image MusicXXIX))

Campbell, Brett, “Weekend MusicWatch: Voices Carry,” Oregon Arts Watch (online), November 5,   2011 (review ofEXPRESSIONS III (Image MusicXXIX))

Gingras, Michèle, “ Review of Memories II of Chief Joseph (Image Music XI-B) for Clarinet and Piano, International Clarinet Society publication, March, 2010.

Dumigan, Chris, “Review of Corona Guitar Kvartet CD,” Classicxal Guitar Magazine, March, 2010,   (review of my arrangement of Bach Italian Concerto for guitar quartet)

Moeschl, Richard, “SyZyGy, Close Up, The Art Behind the Art” Medford Mail Tribune,

 January 23, 2004.  (review of MOMENTS from White Blowing Daffodil Seeds)

Durling, Ken, “Sounds New and Different” San Francisco Classical Voice, (online: www.sfcv.org),   February 12, 2002.  (review of Inquietude)

LaFave, Kenneth, “Sax quartet achieves new levels of expression” The Arizona Republic, August 27,   2000, p. E7.  (review of Sacajawea - In Memoriam on CD - TimeGrabber Digital Recordings, TGD 003 )

Burton, Canary, “Passion with Rozanna Weinberger, viola and Evelyne Luest” Alternate Music Press,   The Multimedia Journal (online), 1999.  (review of Santa Fe Trail Echoes on CD - NPM LD 003)

Burton, Canary, “Lynn Harting-Ware - Angelica” Alternate Music Press, The Multimedia Journal   (online), 1999.   (review of Another New Beginning II on CD - Acoma GXD 5735)

Nelson, Catherine, “Review” The Strad,  1999, Vol. 110, No. 1309.

(review of Native American Notes on CD - Classico CLASSCD 251)

Beck, Eleonora M., “Impressions,” Sforzando, December, 1997, Vol. 2, No. 11. p.26.

(review of Santa Fe Trail Echoes on CD -North Pacific Music NPM LD 003)

Sørensen, Renee, "Young Quartet at the Carl Nielsen Academy," Fyens Stiftstidende (Denmark),

 October 13, 1997,  (review of Native American Notes) 

"A Ringing Scoop" Afrederikshaven Avis @ Vendsyssel Tidende (Denmark), 

 October 11, 1997,  (review of Native American Notes)

"Quartet Sound of Quality," Aalborg Stiftstidende (Denmark), October 6, 1997,

(review of Native American Notes) 

Kinsey, Michelle. "MSO puts on a vivid performance," Muncie Star, January 22, 1996,   TV/Entertainment, p. 5B  (review of MOMENTS from Native American Notes) 

Myerdierks, Bradford. "BSU choir displays ‘Simple Gifts’," Muncie Star, April 24, 1995,   TV/Entertainment  (review of APACHE MORNING SONG from Singing Heart)

Webster, Daniel. "At Temple, new works of 36 composers," The Philadelphia Inquirer , November 1,   1994, Review: Music , p. E1.  (review of Diversions and Interactions)

Stabler, David. "Newport’s Bloch Festival gets off to rousing start," The Oregonian, July 16, 1994,   Arts/Entertainment, sect. C10  (review of MOMENTS from Native American Notes) 

Myerdierks, Bradford. "Great concert draws meager crowd," Muncie Star, June 18, 1994,   TV/Entertainment  (review of Lyric Fantasy)

Noble, David. "Meeting Yields Music from Southwestern Area," Albuquerque Journal,  November 6,   1990, sect. B, p. 5.  (review of Don’t We)

Kammerer, Karen. "Bloch Festival’s premiere a remarkable achievement," The Eugene Register-Guard  summer, 1990 (exact date not avail.),  (review of Northwest Sketches IIb)

Reel, James. "Oboe-Harp duo tames the 'ill wind'," The Arizona Daily Star,  September 26, 1989, sect.   B, p. 6.  (review of oboe playing, Tomorrow On Yesterday and One by One)

Reel, James. "UA faculty members collaborate on maverick, delightful program," The Arizona Daily Star,    June 15, 1989, sect. B, p. 5.     (general review of oboe playing)

Schafer, R. Murray. Personal letter to composer, dated March 2, 1987, offering comments on Wind River Country for Woodwind Quintet from a performance he had heard earlier in the week

at San Diego State University Music Department Concert

Schwartz, Elliott. "Charles Ives Center: Composers & Virtuosos," Musical America, February, 1983,   p. 34.  (review of Image Music I)

Waldron, Laura. "Variety Keynotes Kronos Show," The Daily Olympian, June 9, 1978, p. 18.

 (review of Music for String Quartet)

Roos, James. "A Mostly Academic Exercise," The Miami Herald, March 24, 1978, p. 15-D.

 (review of Atavism)

Bernheimer, Martin. "Walton's 'Facade' at Mermaid," Los Angeles Times, June 22, 1976, 

Part IV, p. 10.

 (review of Episodes)

Harrison, Earnest. "Oboe Reviews," Woodwind-Brass/Percussion, May, 1976, p. 28.

(reviews of Four Desultory Episodes, Music for Three, A Music)

Brown, Allen. "Percussion Reviews," NACWPI JOURNAL, Spring, 1976, p. 3.

(review of A Flight of Virtuosity)

Arlen, Walter. "Saxophonist Pittel at USC," Los Angeles Times, March 6, 1976, Part II, p. 8.

(review of  Episodes)

Livingston, Larry. "Mixed Ensemble," THE INSTRUMENTALIST, January, 1976, p. 92.

(review of Tricinium)

"Percussion Reviews: Percussion Ensemble," NACWPI JOURNAL, Fall, 1975.

(review of Music for Percussion Ensemble and Conductor)

Moreland, Wilbur L. "Saxophone Review," NACWPI JOURNAL, Fall, 1975, p. 22

(review of Tricinium)

"Ensemble Reviews," NACWPI JOURNAL, Summer, 1975, p. 45.

(review of Music for Three,)

Moreland, Wilbur L. "Saxophone Review," NACWPI JOURNAL, Summer, 1975, p. 33.

(review of  Episodes)

Hunsberger, Donald R. "Ensemble, Grade VI," THE INSTRUMENTALIST,  April, 1975, p. 80.

(review of Music for Percussion Ensemble and Conductor)

Black, Frederick. "Solo and Chamber Ensemble Concert Draws Interest," The Star, Terre Haute, Ind., 

 April  24, 1975.  (review of Music for Percussion Ensemble and Conductor)

_____________. "Final ISU Music Festival Concert Draws Applause," The Star, Terre Haute, Ind., 

 April  24, 1975.   (review of Threnody for Orchestra)

Peterson, Melody. "Minimal Program Offered by ISCM," Los Angeles Times, April 15, 1975, Part IV, 

 p. 10.  (review of Four Desultory Episodes,)

______________. "Faculty Composers' Concert," Los Angeles Times, November 28, 1973, Part IV, 

 p. 27.  (review of Music for Three,)

Burge, David M. "New Music Effective," Michigan State News, February 21, 1973, p. 8.

(review of Ein Japanisches Liederbuch)

Brockman, Chris. "MSU Concert Premieres Offer Unusual Sounds," The State Journal, February 18, 

 1973, p. D-19.  (review of Ein Japanisches Liederbuch)

Lowens, Irving. "Maryland Ensemble Premieres 2 Works," The Evening Star and Daily News, July 19,   1972,   p. D-6.  (review of Tricinium)

Sears, Lawrence. "Oboe Stars in Concert At Gallery's Festival," The Evening Star , May 15, 1972, p. C-  11.   (review of Music for Three,)

Reinthaler, Joan. "Modern American Music for Oboe," The Washington Post,  May 15, 1972, p. B-9.

 (review of Music for Three,)

Dallman, Paul J. "Haiku Poems, Songs and Slides Effective," The Evening Star , March 30, 1972, p. B-  9.     (review of Ein Japanisches Liederbuch)

Backas, James. "Maryland Woodwinds Offer Notable Concert," The Evening Star , November 8, 1971.

(review of Maryland Woodwind Quintet)

Coe, Richard L. "'Right On' at Maryland U.," The Washington Post, August 7, 1970, p. B-12.

(review of Right On!)

Evett, Robert. "Work of 3 Composers in Area Performed," The Evening Star , July 28, 1970, p. A-14.

(review of The Lay of the Love and Death of Cornet Christopher Rilke)

Backas, James. "New Amram Quintet Given Expert Reading," The Evening Star , January 14, 1969.

(review of Maryland Woodwind Quintet)

M.B. "Amram Quintet Outstanding," Washington Daily News, January 14, 1969.

(review of Maryland Woodwind Quintet)

Backas, James. "Maryland U. Winds Capable," The Evening Star , November 11, 1968.

(review of Maryland Woodwind Quintet)

Guy, Brenden, “Contemporary Talent at Trinity Chamber Concerts, Berkeley, “ Bachtrack (online),   June 23, 2012, (review of 10th Festival of Contemporary Music in SF of ONE by ONE (Image Music II)):

   The penultimate work of the first half was undoubtedly the highlight of the program both from a compositional and performance standpoint. One by One by Greg Steinke is a work based on the images created in the poem ‘One’ from Notes from the Center of the Earth by K’os Naahaabii. The poetic images are quite striking and the composer did a superb job of conjuring these up by musical expression. Both Justin Lee (flute) and Meredith Clark (harp) played their instruments with a variety of control, ranging from impressive extended techniques – including the scraping of harp strings and percussive, pedal attacks – to more delicately placed moments of beauty. The piece continued to move with a forward momentum, partly due to the writing but also through the wonderful pacing and strict ensemble between the performers. The audience dutifully acknowledged this fine work and performance with much applause.

Campbell, Brett, “Weekend MusicWatch: Voices Carry,” Oregon Arts Watch (online), November 5,   2011 (review ofEXPRESSIONS III (Image MusicXXIX)):

   Thanks to its perky percussion parts, played by Florian Conzetti, Greg Steinke’s sparkling Expressions III, inspired by Klimt paintings, contributed the night’s most exciting moments......

Burton, Canary, Another New Beginning II on CD - Acoma GXD 5735:

   Greg Steinke, a composer of wide proportions brings up the rear with "Another New Beginning". The stillness in this piece, its waiting to move DOES suggest a beginning.......light harmonics, falling arpeggios....a hint of a melody that moves forward......very tonal, but unexpected in juxtaposition....a piece to lead you on.....lots of sounds made from parts of the instrument, not the strings. I give this CD an A. 

Canary Burton, Santa Fe Trail Echoes on CD - NPM LD 003:

   This piece just rolls off your mind like grape juice rolled on the tongue after being made into a fine wine. Cut 6,7 & 8 by Greg Steinke is called "Santa Fe Trail Echoes"(something I CAN remember, YAY) Image music VIII for Viola Solo. Steinke is the Director of the School of Music and Professor of Music at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. "Santa Fe Trail Echoes" resulted from a perusal of Joan Myers' photography book, ALONG THE SANTA FE TRAIL, and subsequent discussions with her. This music is MUCH different than what has come before. More evocative, less constant, more "modern", less lyrical. A welcome addition to this perfect album. 

Nelson, Catherine, “Review” The Strad,  1999, Vol. 110, No. 1309.

(review of Native American Notes on CD - Classico CLASSCD 251):

   Greg A Steinke takes a more ambitious approach in his Native American Notes of 1990, also recorded for the first time. Texts by Native American K'os Naahaabii are recited between its movements, their potent images of nature inspiring Steinke's music. The resulting work is powerful and appealing, it overtly coloristic language and static feel giving the impression that one is looking at a fixed object through changing perspectives. The Coolidge Quartet gets to the heart of this intriguing work, tackling its elements of improvisation with finesse.

Sørensen, Renee, "Young Quartet at the Carl Nielsen Academy," Fyens Stiftstidende (Denmark), October 13, 1997,  (review of Native American Notes):

   There is an enormous difference between the songs of the Apache Indians around the Totempole and the sound of Chamber Music on the polished floors of the Concert Hall. There is at least as big a difference on the outcome of two World History events in 1889 and 1989:  the almost definitive destruction of the Native American culture and the liberation of the Eastern European countries from the Soviet Republic. None the less is this time of conflict the central theme in Greg Steinke's String Quartet, Native American Notes, which the Coolidge Quartet played on the concerts Saturday at the Carl Nielsen Academy, Odense.

   It is the East contra West, primitivism/civilization and chaos/cosmos in a piece of program music that uses Native American poetry as a basis.

   Constantly the music changes between a barbaric tonal language like Stravinsky, folk music in Bartok-style, settler -songs, Indian hymns and improvisational passages. To this was added a number of tromp l'oeil, sound dimensions: the scream of an eagle in low flight over the prairie, the sound of a rattlesnake in the sand and the lonely songs of an Indian on the mountaintop. Furthermore, an old and well-known musical quote: the Medieval theme Dies Irae, the day of Wrath.

   All in all it is some of the most beautiful and touching music I have ever laid my ear upon. Nothing less.

"A Ringing Scoop" Afrederikshaven Avis @ Vendsyssel Tidende (Denmark), 

October 11, 1997,  (review of Native American Notes):

   Native American Notes was surely the most exciting experience of the evening. The composer Greg A Steinke is inspired by poems on the Indian fights for survival of their culture, seen through the perspective of the revolutions in Eastern Europe 1989. The work (1990) describes the meeting and conflicts among various cultures. It is so to speak a tour de force with post-modernistic collage character, where quotations from the musical history (Dies Irae, Bach, Bartok, Shostakovitch) are collocated with Indian folk music and sound painting from the prairie. The performance was electrifying, and the work definitely worth hearing again.

"Quartet Sound of Quality," Aalborg Stiftstidende (Denmark), October 6, 1997,

(review of Native American Notes):

   In the next work by the American composer Greg Steinke "Native American Notes", "The bitter roots of Peace" from 1990 each movement was composed on a series of poems recited by Gitte Grarup Soerensen between the movements Steinke’s composition may almost be characterized as a musical mosaic with the use of pulsating rhythms, sonorous improvisations, Indian songs, dance-rhythms, imitations of Nature’s sounds, and as an even more special effect towards the end, a ghostlike inserted Bach-choral. For the writer of this review the recited poems worked as a fine guidance into all the special moods and contents, and the whole performance had Ejler Bille’s paintings as a perfect background. 

Schafer, R. Murray. Personal letter to composer, dated March 2, 1987, offering comments on Wind River Country for Woodwind Quintet from a performance he had heard earlier in the week at San Diego State University Music Department Concert:

"Monday

Greg:

Just a note to say how much I admired your wind quintet — a strong piece, evocative, colorful, beautifully crafted. I also liked the allusions to the Indians and references to all the nations who have trod the prairies in the last movement. The deep recurring motive in the clarinet gains powerfully in its final appearance after all the travelers have departed —A deep work and a real contribution to the woodwind repertoire. Murray"