Critics
“Mr. Moyer's skilled and formidable technique responded to this challenge completely, but it was also his musical competency and sensitivity that was most impressive and involuntarily brought the audience to their feet for a standing ovation.”
- THE GAZETTE (Cupertino, CA)
“First-class ... His playing is clean, unmannered and full of ideas and intelligence.”
- THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Moyer breezed through this splendidly varied and arduously demanding recital with technical and stylistic colors flying.”
- LOS ANGELES TIMES
“His interpretations were as instinctively true as they were intelligent, and his technique was capable of all demands placed on it.”
- WASHINGTON POST
“The Ravel sounded especially ravishing. The Reger and Liszt could scarcely be more brilliantly played.”
- NEW YORK MAGAZINE
“Moyer was such a delightful soloist this concerto seemed written for him. His playing was fresh and bubbly throughout. The Beethoven fitted him as glove to hand with exhilarating effect. A born pianist.”
- PHILADELPHIA EVENING BULLETIN
“The playing of Moyer is technically strong and extraordinarily clear and precise in articulation. He is clearly a pianist of sensitivity and musical intelligence.”
- THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
“A success on the highest level from first to last ... something to write home about.”
- BOSTON GLOBE
“A superstar pianist ... He produced a big, warm sound, was unfailingly accurate, and seemed to have no limit to his speed. But it was not so much technique that impressed as his musicality.”
- THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
“Guest pianist Frederick Moyer excelled in the Rachmaninoff Third Piano Concerto and dazzled -- almost stunned -- the audience with his solo encore, a Busoni version of Liszt's ‘La Campanella.’ .. Moyer's performance, one by a talented, well-prepared, committed and inspired artist, reminded us of the wonder of being human.”
- FORT COLLINS COLORADOAN
“... one of the finest concerts in recent memory.”
- SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE
“Moyer captivated a large audience with a throughtful program played with virtuosity and musicality, an unusual combination.”
- PORTLAND PRESS HERALD
“After carefully watching Moyer's fingers fly over the keyboard without pause or error, and after absorbing the magic of this wonderful music (Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto), audience members were left in awe of the musical genius who conceived and wrote the music as well as the incredible gift of talent that allowed Moyer to perform the piece to perfection.”
- LONGVIEW (TX) NEWS JOURNAL
“Moyer's artistry is characterized by extraordinary clarity and precision. His production of immense power, brilliant mechanical agility, profound emotional insight and dazzling trills were clearly presented with adroit pedaling and musical understanding.”
- SUNDAY NEWS (Lancaster, PA)
“A powerfully rewarding solo recital .. brought the audience to its feet.”
- SACRAMENTO BEE
“It is easy to call him a ‘phenomenon,’ -- a ‘naturally talented genius.’ Behind all the incredible musical maturity of Frederick Moyer, there is a colossal will power and self-control that has guided him with confidence to his high goal.”
“The shy, boyish face of American pianist Frederick Moyer belies his mature musicality, his pronounced expressive versatility, and his readiness to shape the music with a good deal of elasticity of hand and mind. He inaugurated the present season and left the audience in Villafranca pleasantly impressed with his gifts.”
- L'ARENA
“Frederick Moyer from the USA impressed us as a very fine, mature musician and pianist. From the first note of the seldom heard Sonata in F by Haydn, there was clarity. Moyer's mind works in an exemplary manner, the self-control is perfect, the spectrum of feelings is rich, the fingers nimble, the pedal being used quite sparingly.”
- ESTONIAN WEEKLY “REEDE”
“A profound musicality, reflective, is evident in the presentation of the Paganini/Liszt, and it resounds with health beneath the fingers of this well-trained pianist.”
- LA LIBRE BELGIGUE
“A resounding success in every way... Guest soloist pianist Frederick Moyer has an unassuming mien, belying his considerable talent. His interpretation of the Rachmaninov Piano Concert was musicianly in every way.”
- EVENING POST
“Frederick Moyer was the foreign revelation among pianists this season, performing his debut at the Teatro Alianza in a very well-shaped program. Moyer is an atypical American who has avoided boxing himself into any particular mold. He has personality and pianistic means of great refinement. ”
- EL PAIS
“Moyer applied an individual, relevant and, above all, intelligent approach... intense, almost introspective, but the triumphant power in his playing was totally compelling... A thoroughly enjoyable, astute concert.”
- SOUTH MORNING CHINA POST
“Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninov has been described as his finest concert work; pianist Frederick Moyer's dazzling account of it should have settled any doubts on that score, as did the ovation which followed.”
- THE COURIER-MAIL
“Moyer's playing was full of emotion, and he succeeded in expressing his good heart. I was very favorably impressed with the straightforward and honest attitude to music which this young pianist possesses.”
- ASAHI SHIMBUN
Audience
“When I die I want to go out to the sounds of your music guiding me to another dimension.”
GE, Palo Alto, CA - 8/21/24
“Your concert was universally impressive and meaningful. Every one felt that they had experienced an unmatchable evening of music.”
FL, Bridgewater, NJ - 5/24/24
“The concert was amazing, your playing inspired, and I'm always in awe of how you seem to tune in to the essence of the music and embody it ...”
PR, Mill Valley, CA - 5/20/24
“I wanted to thank you for the absolutely superb concert you gave us ... Our audience was small, but you treated us as though we were the biggest and most musically sophisticated audience in the world!”
PS, Portland, ME - 4/19/24
“You communicated such intense beauty and truth and love that my emotions overflowed.”
BB, West Melbourne, FL - 1/20/24
“The best piano performance I ever witnessed.”
AL, Delray Beach, FL - 1/16/24
“I have been getting nonstop compliments on your performance. Thank you so much for bringing your talent and passion to our community.”
JV, Rydal, PA - 5/18/23
“I wanted to pass along all of the rave reviews ... I can honestly say that in the almost 9 years that I have been working here you have by far received the most.”
LO, Madison, WI - 4/25/23
“I loved the music, the way it made me feel, I didn't want it to end.”
CF, Milwaukee, WI - 4/24/23
“You filled my soul this last week with the love of musicians and composers who have added so much to our lives.”
GE, Hemet, CA - 4/6/23
“Every minute was a delight and an exciting experience.”
AH, Carmel, CA - 4/5/23
“What a wonderful, energetic, love-filled concert you gave us on Tuesday. I say love-filled because you played each piece with such devotion. Rhapsody in Blue was such a special treat because we so seldom hear it played by a solo piano. As well, it seems to me the very essence of America performed in music - I felt full of tears.”
CF, Portola Valley, CA - 3/22/23
“I just have to say you hit the ball right out of the stadium last night! Or, should I say you sent the audience OVER THE MOON??”
MK, Oakland, CA - 3/22/23
“We were not simply listening to beautiful piano music. We felt your emotions transfer to every key. You managed to capture us and share you personal magical moments with music.”
LD, Longwood, FL - 1/28/23
“I just wanted again to express my joy whenever I have the opportunity to hear you perform! It is both inspiring and humbling. I always learn so much while having my musical mind blown!”
JC, Scarborough, ME - 12/2/22
“It's almost unbelievable to see your fingers glide across the piano keys. It reminds me of a humming bird...”
GS, Wyomissing, PA - 5/27/22
“Your playing moved me to tears.”
MB, West Bend, WI - 4/28/22
“... incredible, inspirational concert. It felt like I was sitting next to him-he brought me right into the music.”
JL, Andover, MA - 4/10/22
“I felt I must be in Carnegie Hall!”
RD, Oakland, CA - 3/7/22
“Absolutely out of this world. I don't see how anyone can play like that.”
JF, Naples, FL - 2/14/22
“You have no idea how stunned we were at your performance! Super human! ”
NM, La Jolla, CA - 3/11/20
“You are so talented and you pull your audience in not only with your enthusiasm and music played with feeling, but the great back stories that give so much life to the works you are playing.”
SB, Brevard, NC - 10/28/19
“I havenever heard such a thing of beauty, you and the piano and the music. I was lifted to a higher plateau, and had feelings deep in my bones.”
AA, Atlanta, GA - 10/24/19
“It's hard to express how deeply affected I was by your performance . . . beyond my wildest expectations.”
JH, Burlington, NC - 10/11/19
“As a marvelous musician, skilled raconteur, and a thoughtful and good-natured guest and presenter, you are unparalleled. Many, many thanks for your truly treasured gift.”
JK, Falmouth, ME - 7/11/19
“"... I was almost breathless by your wonderful music."”
BC, Greenbrae, CA - 4/6/19
“Tonight's concert ... in particular your rendition of Rachmaninof's Second Piano Concerto -- was the most thrilling and sublime musical experience of my 93 years of life!”
LL, Carlsbad, CA - 3/14/19
“My 90th birthday was topped off by the fabulous event of seeing as well as hearing your fantastic concert! . . . I can't express the wonder and joy you gave me!!"”
KH, Milwaukee, WI - 9/18/18
“Thank you for one of the best piano recitals I have ever heard.”
PV, Mequon, WI - 9/18/18
“Your technique/ style is just amazing. Then to flit so easily from classical to jazz blows my mind.”
CB, Wernersville, PA - 5/18/18
“In my lifetime I don't ever think I will hear again, except by Fred, piano music so beautifully and comprehendingly and passionately and skillfully played as we did tonight.”
FL, Bridgewater, NJ - 4/20/18
“You opened up my heart once again to music that reached my heart to the bottom of my toes.”
AM, Seminole, FL - 3/31/18
“My message is simple. You're the best pianist I've ever listened to. This comes from your grasp of such divergent styles - Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Oscar Peterson. You captured the composers intent, and added to it with your own talent. The technical skills you have serve your expressive intent. You achieved wonderful dynamic range on a somewhat inferior instrument - I've played it many times. And you have fun during your performances!!! This is what true music is - the performer lifts the souls of his/her audience.”
DB, Walnut Creek, CA - 2/27/18
“I can't say enough how mesmerized I was watching and listening to your performance. You indeed have a "magic touch" at the keyboard. ”
AGS, San Francisco, CA - 2/25/18
“It doesn't get any better than your performance last night.”
MLL, Exeter, NH - 8/28/17
“You were simply marvelous yesterday when you played on our 17th floor. Last night I went to the Phil and heard this pianist. ... He is famous I guess but you truly were much better. ... I go to sleep every night (almost) listening to you." ”
JF, Alexandria,VA - 4/11/17
“Your jazz concert was simply awesome ... You surely made my feet tap and my heart sing with joy!”
EP, Sarasota, FL - 2/25/17
“It was certainly among the best piano concerts that I have personally heard, ranging from those by Artur Rubenstein, to George Shearing to Bill Charlap.”
RJ, Portola Valley, CA - 1/18/17
“You have a gift and your playing reaches the soul. I felt so happy at the end of your performance, and thought 'Wow, music can make you happy.' I could tell other residents were happy as they left”
LB, Alhambra, CA - 1/16/17
“I love it when life offers up something grand and catches you unaware, and that's what you did for all of us that night. You sprinkled a little of your magic around. Sitting by me was a woman from Belgium who had grown up with music, her mother was a concert pianist like yourself. Wish you could have seen her listening, eyes closed, arms crossed, blissful look on her face catching every note." ”
PM, Greenville, SC - 11/9/16
“Outstanding, marvelous -- not enough paper to write all the superlatives ...”
LW, Greenville, SC - 11/7/16
“We wanted you to know how moved we were, not only by your beautiful performance, but by you. You stand out as an educator and an ambassador, promoting music in a time when all of the arts are endangered species. We are awed and inspired by your optimism, your openness and your spirit.”
SRD, Crystal Falls, MI - 10/30/16
“Your performance here last night was not only musically superb but also theatrically thrilling.”
NS, Chester, CT - 10/6/16
“I can't tell you how much I have played your "Tribute Jazz Arts Trio" CD. I'm absolutely amazed at your mastery of the instrument. And you left hand off-beat accompaniment. How you can keep that rhythm spinning! I like the whole CD but my most favorite is "My Foolish Heart". You do it so tenderly. It is such a touching rendition that I, honestly, feel close to tears when I hear it. ”
TG, Peabody, MA - 10/4/16
“Every time you have been here it has been wonderful, but I think last night was the best ever.”
MK, La Grange Park, IL - 9/26/16
“After listening to you, I understood why people came in such numbers to hear you play. Warm, rich, exciting music. I left feeling so nourished. ... I have never forgotten that beautiful concert...”
MT, Nashua, NH - 8/29/16
“As a musician myself, I am so aware of the attention and respect you give each note, and not only the technical perfection and proficiency with which you play, apparently effortlessly, but the emotional connection you have with the music itself, an emotional connection that I am sure is conveyed to each person in your audience. I find your performances mind-altering and uplifting. In addition, your warm presentation and modesty are particularly refreshing.”
PR, Mill Valley, CA - 8/20/16
“Everyone at Riverwoods is smiling and saying "Wasn't his concert fabulous?" Thank you again and again for your wonderful talents and expertise.”
LM, Exeter, NH - 6/25/16
“My heart sings during your performances - to see those fingers fly - while you use your unique technique to permit the audience to be a part of the performance.”
CB, Wernersville, PA - 5/18/16
“As the performance unfolded, I felt as if Beethoven himself played for us. I was, and still am, profoundly moved.”
CM, Elizabethtown, PA - 5/17/16
“Seeing the hands play the notes while hearing all the notes play was outstanding -- especially the way the orchestra was put together. I live in constant pain but noticed after your concert that I had not felt any pain during your concert.”
SW, Sun City West, AZ - 3/28/16
“Your concert was awesome! The addition of the East-West Orchestra was an amazing enhancement.”
ST, Tempe, AZ - 3/22/16
“Your concert was so marvelous that it still remains fresh with me.”
SH, Cape Coral, FL - 3/7/16
“-- a truly great performance -- it was the finest we have ever heard!”
TR, Bradenton, FL - 2/27/16
“Life has an occasional deep-in-the-soul experience if one is fortunate, and your performance was such an experience for Anne and me.”
AM, Melbourne, FL - 2/14/16
“Your concert left us all floating on a cloud of appreciation - and wonder"”
SN, Canton, MA - 1/25/16
“I have seen you twice in recent years in classical mode at Plymouth Harbor, but the recent performance at the Artist Series with your jazz trio was a revelation.”
JG, Sarasota, FL - 1/23/16
“Some of the best jazz I've ever heard.”
CR, Providence, RI - 11/24/15
“Concertgoers here at the Sequoias that I spoke with said it was the best concert they ever heard.”
AL, San Francisco, CA - 8/20/15
“You rendering of Rachmaninoff brought tears to my eyes.”
JM, Willow Street, PA - 6/6/15
“We enjoyed tremendously your extraordinary super performance! After your heavenly concert, my friend even gently touched you to re-ensure herself that you are an 'ordinary' human being.”
AR, Teaneck, NJ - 6/1/15
“It was so beautiful that I could hardly believe what I was hearing.”
SH, Baltimore, MD - 5/29/15
“I was overwhelmed by how you could make an instrument 'speak'. For me, it was an experience for a lifetime. You have awakened my love of music ...”
RM, Melbourne, FL - 4/3/15
“You are the highlight of our year! Love your mental creations that you bring to life with your hands. The 3rd movement pedal in the Beethoven was so wonderful and effective.”
DD, Scottsdale, AZ - 3/19/15
“Your performance was the most thrilling I've ever seen or heard!”
JP, Hemet, CA - 3/9/15
“I just want tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed your program -- oral notes and all! ... As a retired piano teacher, I always admire clear technique, fine articulation and wide dynamic range. The fiery pieces were sweeping and grand -- but the second movement of the Mozart sonata truly melted winter woes away.”
BS, Tewksbury, MA - 2/5/15
“Your concert here was the undisputed highlight of our musical season. I have never felt such an intense audience rapport to the performer, at our concerts, as you generated that night ... Speaking for myslef, I was enthralled. The whole program was so well planned -- every piece somehow related to the whole -- and your musical comments so appropriate and well delivered. None of us will forget that evening. ”
LM, Petersborough, NH - 1/20/15
“My favorite pianist (next to Sviatoslav Richter.)”
AM, Worcester, MA - 12/12/14
“Your dexterity, touch, muscle control and strength at the piano are awesome. The concert was well balanced for varying tastes, and the keyboard camera projection adds to one's pleasure and appreciation.”
SD, Westborough, MA - 11/21/14
“It was a breath-stopping evening.”
PB, Boca Raton, FL - 11/19/14
“You're #2 in my car next to Oscar Peterson.”
Sally, Teaneck, NJ - 10/30/14
“You are my inspiration. I become 91 years old this month and am practicing on my new Yamaha Sinding's "Rustle of Spring" ... I am imagining I am you!”
CF, Bowie, MD - 6/16/14
“Breath-taking! Your performance gave me goose-bumps all night long. ... You have a talent many of us just dream about.”
CB, Wernersville, PA - 6/6/14
“Everyone I talked to thought your music was the best they had ever heard!”
PW, Mechanicsburg, PA - 6/5/14
“When I awakened this morning I did not know what a blessing awaited me until I heard you play for us this afternoon. Thank you for nourishing our souls ...”
LG, San Diego, CA - 4/10/14
“I want you and Fred to know that more than one person thought that the Peterson-Jamal-etc. time travel concert Fred and company gave was the best they'd heard in our series in ten years.”
JF, Naples, FL - 3/18/14
“I can't adequately express how much I gained from your concert...Being able to see the keyboard was marvelous. ... The suppleness of your fingers is amazing. It attests to hours and years of practice. The emotion expressed was not ostentatious but rightly appropriate. Finally, your commentary on each piece enhanced the performance.”
JR, Winter Park, FL - 2/18/14
“Fred is absolutely the greatest and when he comes to Heatherwood, it's standing room only!”
PK, Yarmouthport, MA - 1/31/14
“Everyone here is still off the wall remembering your concert. ... You're the best in every way!”
CE, Canton, MA - 12/27/13
“Your piano selections are wonderful and the accompanying stories charming, memorable and incomparable.”
VB, Milwaukee, WI - 11/23/13
“... feedback from your concert was 'wonderful, fantastic, wow!'”
Nona Broadman, Avon CT - 9/21/13
“Outrageously superb!! ... took my breath away.”
DS, Bridgeport, WV - 7/15/13
“I could say all the things that the NY Times, Boston Globe, and other publications have said about your playing, but it would be redundant. Not only was your program delightfully varied and technically perfect, but your presentation and unassuming manner made the afternoon one to remember. What struck me most of all is how totally you 'embody' the music while you're playing; the music seems to be pouring from your very physical being with nuance, thoughtfulness, and musicality, as though you were channeling the composer himself and refining the passion and purpose of his intent. I . . . taught for 35 years, attended the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy where I grew up. I have heard most of the well-known pianists of my day, concert-going pretty much weekly during my formative years in Rome. I can honestly say that none of these pianists surpass you in 'getting' the music without affectation, being true to the spirit without imposing unnecessary personal distractions that can, with some pianists, come across as arrogant grandiosity, and performing each piece in a way that connects with the hearts and souls of your audience.”
Patricia Ross, San Rafael, CA - 7/14/13
“Absolutely love Fred's playing. It is more than fantastic. It is more than brilliant. It is almost spiritual, in fact it is.”
RS, Bel Air, MD - 6/17/13
“I've never seen a more enjoyable piano performance. Such hands! ”
MS, Wilmington, DE - 5/16/13
“Your playing was that of an artist painting inspiring, exquisite sounds on a canvas.”
FTK, Whiting, NJ - 5/8/13
“A few minutes of divine music and a glimpse of a beautiful soul.”
RS, Tucson, AZ - 3/17/13
“When Summer Comes is seamlessly delightful - a most beautiful calming rendition - terrific piano tone. Also great fun hearing your jazz trio CDs”
GR, Lock Haven, PA - 2/25/13
“...you so well brought out the beauty and emotions of music. Your comments before each piece were informative and delightful.”
JC, Pompano Beach, FL - 11/9/12
“...your performance was not only superb but you taught us so much about each selection. That intimacy with an audience is so unusual from an artist of your accomplishments.”
EB, Sarasota, FL - 4/29/12
“I really am not able to express the extent of enjoyment I have experienced in listening to the concerts you have given here. ... The beauty of your music is unsurpassable. Your helpful explainations and humorous comments are also tops.”
DB, Milwaukee, WI - 1/20/12
“We had no idea we would be treated to such high-quality. Not only your exceptional gift, but your little verbal introductions to your selections were a treat.”
PS, Naples, FL - 1/10/10
“Never have we had such a combination of expertise, musicality, showmanship, beauty, and just plain 'wow' combined with modesty and humor and knowledge imparted in such a wonderful way.”
PK, Nantucket, MA - 11/9/09
“Your performance last Sunday, your playing, your comments, the program, left me enthralled. Each time I hear you in person, I find myself desiring for more.”
DB, Gainesville, FL - 12/10/05
“In the days since you played here, I've heard nothing but raves about your performance. The pieces were beautifully chosen, interestingly described by you and wonderfully played!”
RS, Kennett Square, PA - 9/5/05
“I honestly think you are one of the finest pianists in the world. All concerts I have heard you perform have left me feeling almost breathless - 'on cloud nine' to be specific. ... I guess the best compliment I could give, besides your unbelievable technical and musical skills, is that your interpretation of pieces I normally don't particularly care for enables me to actually enjoy the music! Another would be your down to earth approach to talking to the public - on stage and off. Your explanations of the pieces are so helpful in understanding what is going on. ... you could hear a pin drop, for all the attentive listening - including the children!”
GL, Fletcher, NC - 11/9/04
“I cannot begin to tell you how much the technical virtuosity but especially the beautiful and poetic interpretations of the numbers you played meant to me. Actually, you are the first pianist I have ever heard who reminded me in many ways of my former teacher Sir Edward Baxter Perry, both in the technical and poetic interpretations of the music but in the interesting commentary included.”
KP, Tucson, AZ - 4/10/01
Presenters
Frank A. Bell, Interim Executive Director
Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale
Midland, TX
“Mr. Moyer delighted everyone he met –– he was positive and pleasant and easy to work with, while maintaining the highest artistic standards. . . . His performance was superb. It was clean, exact, and articulate, and musically expressive –– Beethoven must have been pleased. . . . This was a wonderful experience for everyone involved: musicians, audience and conductor.”
___
Edward J. Bride, President
Berkshires Jazz, Inc.
Pittsfield, MA
“. . . meeting you, hearing your performance, and witnessing your work with the students all comprise a most memorable experience. We all expected great things from the trio performance, and certainly were not disappointed. But we had no way to anticipate how the private performance and discussion with the students would go over. Happy to say that students, teachers, administrators, and outboard were all delighted, with not only your musical skills but also your ability to communicate meaningful information to students . . . ”
___
Mark Malkovich IV, General Manager
Newport Music Festival
Newport, RI
“When speaking to Fred about newly discovered works by Schumann he had uncovered, he mentioned performing in a jazz trio with two friends from high school. He assured me it would fit into the Festival’s programming – how right he was. Not only was the first concert memorable, it gave me confidence in expanding the Festival’s programming to include other ‘classic’ music. . . . These classical–jazz programs are so unique and interesting. Fred begins his programs with classical selections from his vast repertoire – from composers such as Chopin, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Gershwin, to more unknowns like Dussek and Arensky. The second half of the concert features the trio playing note for note transcriptions of legendary jazz trios from composers like Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner and Bill Evans. . . . Fred’s encyclopedic knowledge of music, his versatility and authenticity playing the classical-jazz combination, and his ability to share with an audience makes for a wonderful concert experience. Artists like Fred are rare indeed– a serious musician and scholar who combines this with an impresario’s élan.”