FORT KENT, Maine — Dr. Scott Brickman, University of Maine at Fort Kent professor of music and education, had his CD “96 Strings and 2 Whistles” released on the Ravello label (RR 7940) of Parma Recordings on Aug. 12, 2016.
The new recording features five of Brickman’s compositions performed by pianist Beth Levin and members of Eight Strings & a Whistle, Suzanne Gilchrest on flute, Ina Litera on viola and Matt Goeke on cello.
Four of these five compositions, written since 2010, have been composed especially for these performers and have received performances both in Maine and New York City.
This is the third CD released by Ravello records featuring Brickman’s music, the others being “Dear Darwin” in 2014 and “Winter and Construction” in 2012.
Gilchrest and pianist Gregg Biss performed Brickman’s 2011 composition “Wind Power” during the SummerKeys Faculty Concert Series in Lubec. Gilchrest recorded this work on “96 Strings and 2 Whistles,” accompanied by Levin.
Adding to his success as a composer, Brickman’s Piano Trio no. 1 was premiered in L’viv, Ukraine by members of the Phoenix Ensemble on July 29. It was entered in the Bruno Maderna International Composition Contest, along with works of composers from Croatia, Spain and Iran. Piano Trio No. 1 was awarded a “Special Mention” citation. Additionally, his trio will be published by Aldebaran Editions, an Italian Music Publishing Company.
Brickman holds music degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Brandeis University. He has taught at UMFK since the fall of 1997 and teaches courses in music, first year experience and education.
“96 Strings and 2 Whistles” is available in both hard copy and as a download on iTunes and Amazon, and also through Parma’s website.
