American Record Guide

David Johnson (1942-2009) was a musicologist known for his substantial contributions to the study of Scottish folk music. He was also a composer, first attracted to atonal modernism before adopting a friendlier, relaxed tonal style. This set of 12 Preludes and Fugues (1992-95) is indicative of this later style and encompasses a range of influ- ences, from Bach to jazz to his beloved Scottish folk music and beyond. Many of them use a motive spelled BHEA, which refers to the Scots Gaelic word for life (bheatha)— and this collection certainly embodies a life-affirming sunnyness. Though several carry some degree of seriousness, many come off as light character pieces—including the striking Fugue No. 10 that depicts the intermingling sounds of church bells and a railway, or Fugue No. 8 depicting clowns by the seaside. My favorite is Fugue No. 4, written in a pseudo-Baroque style interrupted by bluesy notes and a rambunctious iteration of `Two by Two’.

All of these light, good-humored miniatures are underpinned by a solid command of counterpoint and craft; as a result, it never feels like merely a potpourri, but a thoughtful collection.

ARG has only reviewed one other album of David Johnson’s music—a 1999 recording by Ian Hobson of these very pieces (Zephyr 113, M/J 1999). I don’t know that recording, and I imagine it is deleted by now. I am quite satisfied with these sympathetic, expressive performances by Christopher Guild. Extensive liner notes on each prelude and fugue.

—Nathan Faro