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Scholfield-Clarke Duo
For the uninitiated on the classical music repertoire of the saxophone, the concert was delightful, occasionally challenging and never less than superbly performed ...the skill of Scholfield and Clarke assured that attention was held from start to end and the journey never less than interesting and occasionally compelling. The long applause confirmed the audience’s satisfaction.
Lovers of Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon or even Roland Kirk would have found the classical saxophone and piano experience at the Inverurie Town Hall last Friday different but exhilarating, and certainly virtuosic. Secure, crisp, angular, and betimes smooth and mellow, Richard played at first soprano and then alto sax with great enthusiasm and obvious pleasure which he communicated well to the audience.
Duo - Instrumental
Instrumentation
- Richard Scholfield - Saxophone
- Iain Clarke - Piano
Repertoire
Sample programmes from recent appearences:
'Notes from America' (Westbourne Music, May 2023)
George Gershwin (arr. Shaposhnikova) - Three Preludes
Paul Creston - Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
William Grant Still - Romance
William Albright - Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Rudy Wideoft - Valse Vanite
'Saxophone in Song' (St Martin-in-the-Fields, September 2022)
Gabriel Pierne (transc. Scholfield) - Canzonetta
Frederic Chopin (transc. Scholfield) - Five Polish Songs
Amy Beach (transc. Scholfield) - Romance
George Gershwin (arr. Blum) - Someone to Watch Over Me
Takashi Yoshimatsu - Fuzzy Bird Sonata
Olivier Messiaen (transc. Scholfield) - Vocalise-Étude
Biography
The Scholfield-Clarke Duo, featuring saxophonist Richard Scholfield and pianist Iain Clarke, stands out as one of the most exciting Scottish chamber music ensembles of their generation. Renowned for their innovative recital programs, they expertly blend traditional and contemporary elements, captivating audiences with their fresh interpretations and dynamic performances.
Richard Scholfield and Iain Clarke have cultivated a close musical partnership over more than a decade, resulting in an energetic and engaging presence on stage. Their programs often highlight original works from the saxophone repertoire, while also offering new perspectives on historic music through thoughtful transcriptions of composers like Chopin, Amy Beach, Messiaen, and Gershwin. Their artistry has been recognized with a Tunnell Trust Award, and they have performed at prestigious venues such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and Perth Concert Hall.
Richard Scholfield is a distinguished Scottish saxophonist who regularly performs across the UK as both a soloist and chamber musician. He is both a Legere Reeds artist and City Music Foundation artist, and recently earned second prize at the 2024 Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition at Mayfield Festival. His 2023/2024 season featured several concerto performances, including collaborations with conductor and composer Darrell Davison on the new triple saxophone concerto, The Garden of Earthly Delights. Richard also frequently performs with leading Scottish ensembles, including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Iain Clarke, originally from the Isle of Arran, is an accomplished collaborative and orchestral pianist based in London. From September 2022 to July 2024, he served as the Royal College of Music’s Gilbert and Eileen Edgar and Anthony Saltmarsh Collaborative Pianist, working with their woodwind, brass, and percussion departments. Iain also accompanies students at other leading London conservatories. His notable chamber partnerships include collaborations with saxophonist Richard Scholfield, cellist Lavinnia Rae, and horn player Olivia Gandee. Additionally, he performs frequently with top orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Bath Festival Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and Britten Sinfonia, with international tours to Poland and Belgium.
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