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Hailed by The New York Times as an “especially impressive fine pianist,” RICHARD DOWLING appears regularly across the United States and throughout the world in orchestral performances, solo recitals and chamber music collaborations. He has been acclaimed by audiences for his elegant and charismatic style of pianism which earns him frequent return engagements. He has received reviews that praise him as a “master of creating beautiful sounds with impeccable control of colors and textures,” as “a musician with something to say, the skill to say it and the magnetic power to make you want to listen” and for giving “a superb recital that left the audience craving for more at the end.” Works of Chopin, Gershwin, Gottschalk, American ragtime and French Impressionism figure prominently in his extensive repertoire, which also includes more than thirty piano concertos.
On April 1, 2017, the exact centennial date of Scott Joplin’s death in New York City, Richard Dowling became the first pianist in history to perform publicly the complete cycle of the master ragtime composer’s piano works (in a pair of sold-out recitals in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall) - nearly four hours of music, all from memory. He continues to be presented in classical, all-Joplin, all-Gershwin and classical/ragtime programs throughout the United States.
In the United States, Richard Dowling has received nationwide attention for recitals seen on the PBS program Debut and has been heard on NPR’s Performance Today, while in New York City, he has performed with orchestra at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ Alice Tully Hall and Damrosch Park, at Merkin Concert Hall, and in Central Park and has presented recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHA, Steinway Hall, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Union Club of the City of New York, Dahesh Museum, Kosciuszko Foundation, Liederkranz Foundation, Tenri Cultural Institute, Museum of the City of New York, Christie’s, 54 Below, St. Bartholomew’s Church, Trinity Church, Metropolitan Club, Bargemusic, Brooklyn Conservatory, Concordia College and The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.
Richard Dowling has established himself internationally with performances in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, Ecuador, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and South Africa. In the Far East, he has performed critically acclaimed recitals at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall and the Istana Auditorium in Kuala Lumpur. He has also conducted guest master classes at the LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts and Young Musicians’ Society in Singapore and Hong Kong’s Academy for the Performing Arts, as well as at the Shanghai Conservatory.
Richard Dowling enjoys a special affinity for France and its music, art and culture. He studied at the Conservatoire de Musique in Nice with the renowned French pianist Jeanne-Marie Darré, participated as a guest artist in the La Gesse Summer Festival, and received the Grand Prix from the French Piano Institute in Paris. He made his formal Paris recital debut at the Salle Cortot, and was subsequently invited to perform at the French Embassy in Washington, DC. Maurice Ravel and his music were the subjects of Mr. Dowling’s doctoral dissertation. His repertoire includes the complete solo and chamber piano music of Ravel and many works by Debussy, Fauré and Saint-Saëns. In 1996, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to French musical art and his fluency in the French language, Mr. Dowling was officially inducted as a Chevalier of the renowned Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac, an honor society originally founded [in the 17th century by D’Artagnan in Gascony in southwest France; in 2023 he was further honored by the society with the title of “Officier de Musique.”
Richard Dowling celebrated the 1998 centennial of the birth of George Gershwin by performing his complete solo and orchestral works for piano. In 2001, he released Sweet and Low-Down, a Klavier Records CD containing virtually all of the solo piano works by Gershwin. He has also recorded two albums of popular piano works by Chopin for Piano Productions Recordings and, with his duo-partner, cellist Evan Drachman, three CDs of cello and piano works: A Frog He Went a-Courting, Pairs of Pieces; Infinity; Romance and Revelation. In 2004, Klavier Records released World’s Greatest Rags, followed in 2007, Rhapsody in Ragtime, two discs of Mr. Dowling’s favorite American ragtime, novelty, stride and jazz piano solos. In 2020, Museum Music issued Music of Old New York - Ragtime, Music & Songs from Turn-of-the-Century New York. His most recent recordings on the Rivermont label are Cocktails for Two, a collection of piano duets of the art deco era, and Gershwin for Two Pianos, both with fellow pianist Frederick Hodges. In commemoration of the centennial of the death of Scott Joplin, Rivermont Records issued a three-CD set of the complete solo piano works of the legendary American ragtime composer; the grammy-nominated set comprises 54 rags, waltzes, cakewalks and marches.
Richard Dowling has produced is own critical performing editions of Maurice Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit, Miroirs, Sonatine, Jeux d’eau, Pavanne pour une infante défunte and Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, based on the composer’s original manuscripts, as well as critical editions of Debussy, Fauré, Gershwin, Hummel and Mendelssohn. In 2023, Alfred Music Publishing issued Zez Confrey at the Piano, Mr. Dowling’s new edition of 27 solo piano works by the 1920's American jazz master, including works that have been long out-of-print, as well as transcriptions of Confrey’s disc recordings and player piano rolls.
While studying at Yale University, Richard Dowling was honored with the Lockwood Award for performing the best recital and the Bruce Simonds Award for outstanding solo and ensemble playing; subsequently he earned a Doctor of Music arts degree in piano performance from The University of Texas. His principal teacher was Abbey Simon.
In addition to his regular concert performances, Richard Dowling is frequently heard as a member of the artist roster of The Piatigorsky Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing live class music to audiences across America. Since 1994 he has performed well over 1,000 recitals under its auspices.
Richard Dowling is a Steinway Artist and makes his home in New York City.
BEETHOVEN
Concerto #1 in C, Op. 15
Concerto #3 in c, Op. 37
Concerto #5 in E-flat, Op. 73 ("Emperor")
CHOPIN
Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise, Op. 22
Concerto #1 in e, Op. 11
Concerto #2 in f, Op. 21
Variations on Mozart’s La ci darem la mano, Op. 2
FAURÉ
Ballade in F#, Op. 19
GERSHWIN
Concerto in F
Rhapsody in Blue
Second Rhapsody
Variations on I Got Rhythm
GOTTSCHALK
Grande Tarantelle, Op. 67
GRIEG
Concerto in a, Op. 16
LISZT
Concerto #1 in E-flat
MENDELSSOHN
Concerto #1 in g, Op. 25
MOSZKOWSKI
Concerto in E, Op. 59
MOZART
Concerto #16 in D, K. 451
Concerto #21 in C, K. 467
Concerto #22 in E-flat, K. 482
Concerto #23 in A, K. 488
Concerto #25 in C, K. 503
Concerto #27 in B-flat, K. 595
Concerto for 2 Pianos in E-flat, K. 365
PROKOFIEV
Concerto #3 in C, Op. 26
RACHMANINOFF
Concerto #1 in f#, Op. 1
Concerto #2 in c, Op. 18
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
RAVEL
Concerto in G
SAINT-SAËNS
Carnival of the Animals
Concerto #2 in g, Op. 22
Concerto #4 in c, Op. 44
SCHUMANN
Concerto in a, Op. 54
TCHAIKOVSKY
Concerto #3 in E-flat, Op. 75
TO PURCHASE CDs, visit www.dowlingmusic.com
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SCOTT JOPLIN: THE COMPLETE PIANO WORKS Rivermont Records: 3-CD set: BSW-2240 |
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RICHARD DOWLING PLAYS CHOPIN, Vol. I Piano Productions Recordings: PPR 0211 |
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RICHARD DOWLING PLAYS CHOPIN, Vol. II Piano Productions Recordings: PPR 0906 |
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"SWEET AND LOW-DOWN" Klavier Records: K 11117 |
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“GERSHWIN FOR TWO PIANOS” Rhapsody in Blue Rivermont Records: BSW-2227 |
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“COCKTAILS FOR TWO” Johnston: Cocktails for Two Rivermont Records: BSW-2248 |
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"RHAPSODY IN RAGTIME" Klavier Records: 11164 |
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"WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO RAGS" Music of: Blake, Bolcom, Confrey, Gershwin, Hampton, Joplin, Lamb, Matthews, Northup, Roberts, Scott Klavier Records: K 77035 |
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"MUSIC OF OLD NEW YORK" works of Joplin, Turpin, Cohan, Von Tilzer, Johnson, Paull, Europe and others Museum Music: MM161 |
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"ROMANCE AND REVELATION" Rubinstein: Melody, Op. 3, #1 EDVC Music: 2903 |
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"INFINITY" Tchaikovsky/Piatigorsky: Valse sentimentale EDVC Music: 2902 |
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"PAIRS OF PIECES" Haydn: Divertimento The Piatigorsky Foundation: PF 2901 |
Richard Dowling is an especially impressive, fine pianist.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Richard Dowling returned to Spokane to perform a program composed by the teenaged Frederic Chopin. The venue was Barrister Winery: an ideal festival venue, affording both intimacy and the acoustic apace needed to accommodate the full dynamic range of a grand piano. Dowling took advantage of both qualities. He is a polymath who commands full resources of a concert pianist, the scholarly accomplishments of a Ph.D. in music from Yale and the skills of a professional music editor. At the keyboard, he obtained an extraordinary dynamic range, from ethereal filigree to octaves that registered high on the Richter scale. The audience was transported.
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW (SPOKANE, WA)
In April 2017, as a 100-year commemoration of Joplin’s death, Richard Dowling has released the latest compendium and it may well stand as the definitive one. These are studio recordings, recorded in advance so as to have the package available for sale at the Carnegie Hall concerts on the actual date of Joplin’s death. In no way does this diminish their quality, which is outstanding. The sound is crisp and clear and the piano is a top-of-the line Steinway. Ragtime in general (and Joplin in particular) is fortunate to have Dowling as its champion. This recording is a winner in every way. Most aficionados will already have a favorite ‘Complete Joplin’ in their libraries and will have their own reasons for valuing it. However, you owe it to yourselves to investigate Dowling’s recording, for I predict you will be captivated. Highest recommendation.
COMPACT DISC REVIEW
The Complete Piano Works of Scott Joplin [headline]
Ragtime is America’s classical music, Scott Joplin is the king of ragtime and Richard Dowling is clearly the premiere interpreter of his music. Be sure to pick up this gem, which is available from www.rivermontrecords.com.
LA JAZZ SCENE
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra was in fine form at the opening of its 48th season, but the high point was pianist Richard Dowling’s extraordinary encore. Following a flawless performance of Chopin’s Concerto No.2 in F minor, Dowling instantly silenced thunderous applause when he returned for his solo encore, playing a delightful Chopin nocturne. Dowling started out with a straight forward treatment of the piece but couldn’t help himself from having fun and jazzed things up with some ragtime riffs, putting his own fingerprints all over Chopin with clever variations of the popular nocturne. Everyone, especially Dowling, was all smiles at intermission.
CONNECTICUT POST
Music of Old New York
This collection of Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, ragtime, patriotic tunes, and other turn-of-the-century New York genres is distinguished by its sumptuous musicality. Richard Dowling eschews the punchy pseudo-piano roll approach used by so many contemporary pianists in this material. This is an attractive love letter to old New York and an excellent introduction to a vital aspect of American culture.
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
Dowling is a musician with something to say, the skill to say it and magnetic power to make you want to listen. It wasn’t just music - it was theater, story-telling of the best sort.
THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Dowling’s performance of Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso exhibits his genuine affection for French music. He plays with considerable depth, expressing a forceful understanding of this style of music.
CLASSICAL MAGAZINE
Richard Dowling gave a superb all-Chopin recital. Here, clearly, is a pianist of high ideals as he approached every work with utmost attention to detail in balance, phrasing and pedalling. More importantly, his efficient technique was unfailingly musical and even the most daunting technical passages were transformed into objects of beauty. Dowling had something personal to say and impressed with impeccable control of colours and textures. He received a standing ovation and left the audience craving more.
THE BUSINESS TIMES (Singapore)
Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5 is one of the most difficult piano concertos created. Before Jon Kalbfleisch raised his baton, the on-stage interaction between the maestro and pianist Richard Dowling displayed a promising sense of confidence and excitement. The soloist’s talent immediately began to shine, and his showmanship and skill were exhibited with a great fervor balanced with a wonderfully delicate grace. Considering the nature of the Beethoven’s piece, the partnership between the conductor and soloist was integral to its success, and the musicians did not fail to impress. Throughout the concerto, the phenomenal performance from Dowling and the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra reached the high standards the organization sets for its performances.
THE LAWTON CONSTITUTION (Oklahoma)
Dowling obviously has technique to spare; even at whirlwind tempos, his playing was quite clean. He also has a knack for dramatic underlining, taking full advantage of every possible fortissimo.
SUN-SENTINEL (Fort Lauderdale)
Pianist Richard Dowling dances through 29 Gershwin numbers with exuberance and a natural feel for rubato. He plays with what Gershwin called the stenciled style - fast, upbeat, and snappy. The recording has a dry sparkle perfect for Dowling’s no-nonsense playing. If you love Gershwin, don’t miss this.
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
| 10/10/2024 (7pm) | AZALEA TRACE (Pensacola, FL) Gershwin: Rialto Ripples Rag |
| 10/13/2024 (2pm) | ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH (Ashtabula, OH) Joplin: Elite Syncopations |
| 11/6/2024 (7pm) | DUNWOODY VILLAGE (Newtown Square, PA) Gershwin: Rialto Ripples Rag |
| 11/23/2024 (7pm) | MARSHALL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (TX) Kermit Poling, conductor Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F |
| 2/15/2025 (2&7pm) | BELT THEATER COMPANY (MT) Belt Performing Arts Center |
| 3/6-13/2025 | THE PIATIGORSKY FOUNDATION TOUR (NC) |
| 3/23/2025 (3pm) | CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE (Philadelphia, PA) East Parlor |
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Beethoven: Piano Sonata #14 in c-sharp, Op. 27, #2 (mvt I: Adagio sostenuto) |
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Chopin: Nocturne #2 in E-flat, Op. 9, #2 |
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Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue for solo piano (Part 1) |
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Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue for solo piano (Part 2) |
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Ravel: Piano Trio in a |
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Gershwin: Rialto Ripples Rag |
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Richard Dowling’s YouTube Channel |