Dark Star
for Flute and Piano
A new mood piece for flutists from the prolific Schocker, with a mysterious melody floating over a rhythmic keyboard accompaniment. Suitable for flutists of intermediate skills and a love of dynamics.
(Presser)
From My Journal
for Flute and Piano A fun little study, built on a jaunty tune and a somewhat driving, yet simple, piano part. At the break, the flutist's ascending run gives way to long-held notes, giving the pianist the opportunity to enjoy the melodic line. Not overly demanding, and a short 2' 40" program piece.
(Presser)
Scherzo for Flute and Piano
A spirited jaunt with a haughty air, and a meno mosso section for contrast in the middle. Watch your breathing and body tension, in this new, short challenge from Schocker.
(Presser)
Sonata No. 1 for Flute and Piano
From 1991, Schocker's first Sonata, dedicated to father Paul, consists of three movements in standard A-B-A fashion. Advanced flutists will delight in Schocker's signature melodic approach, a combination of contemporary composition with good, old-time songlike qualities.
(Presser)
“When a performer masters his instrument to the point it becomes an extension of his own voice, you know you are in the presence of a master. And if that performer also feels the call to create new music, the result is frequently entrancing. Chopin mastered the piano in such a way. Gary Schocker masters the flute with similar passion and skill.” --Anna Vorhes for the South Dakota Symphony
Gary Schocker is a world-renowned flutist as well as an award-winning composer with over 100 compositions in publication, primarily with Theodore Presser. He has published more pieces for the flute than any other living composer. His engagements have included performances with the New York Philharmonic (under Michael Tilson Thomas), the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, the West German Sinfonia and an extended tour with I Solisti Italiani as well as solo recitals in New York, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, and elsewhere. Schocker has collaborated with many artists on stage, including Pinchas Zuckerman, Michael Tilson Thomas, Earl Wild, Jessye Norman, Julius Baker, James Levine, James Galway, Bruno Canino, Oscar Shumsky, Eduardo Fernandez, Jean-Philippe Collard, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He concertizes in duo with guitarist Jason Vieaux.
Among the artists who have played his compositions, James Galway gave the American premiere of Green Places with the New Jersey Symphony. Schocker’s earlier association with that orchestra came when he replaced, for several concerts, an ailing Jean-Pierre Rampal, on a mere two hours’ notice. Winner of the 1985 Young Concert Artists Auditions, Schocker is also First Prize winner of the National Flute Association, the New York Flute Club and the East-West Artists Competitions. Internationally, he has toured and taught in Japan, Colombia, Panama, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Germany, France and Italy.
Gary Schocker’s recordings include “Flute Forest,” released by Azica Records, featuring his composition as the title track, along with other solo flute selections. Azica also produced “Arioso,” a collection of baroque music for flute and guitar, recorded with internationally acclaimed guitarist Jason Vieaux. The Mozart Flute Quartets with the Chester String Quartet is on the Chesky Records label, which has also released a Gary Schocker solo CD of Bach, Handel and Telemann. His latest recordings on Jonathan Digital include a CD of all-Schocker compositions, Airborne; and Regrets and Resolutions, featuring his works as well as standard works from the French School. Dream Travels, on Azica Records, features Schocker with guitarist Jason Vieaux. The title track is Schocker’s composition written for the duo. Schocker’s musicals, Far From the Madding Crowd and The Awakening, written with lyricist Barbara Campbell, can be heard on Original Cast Records. His music can also be heard on the Sazas, Troy, Koch, MHS, SNE, Elysium, Gionata and Flying Frog labels.
Mr. Schocker’s date of birth is October 18, 1959. He lives in New York City and Easton, Pennsylvania.
Gary SchockerFlute Master Classes —
Two separate sessions coming up: June 24-29, 2008
July 15-20, 2008
in West Park, New York
• Study with a master flutist, teacher and composer
• Intensive flute study balanced with activities to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit
• Enjoy a magnificent setting on the Hudson River
