David Johnson: 12 Preludes and Fugues

Price range: £8.99 through £14.99

Label:
Catalogue No: DDX 21124
EAN/UPC: 809730112423
Artists:
Composers:
Release Date: April 2024
Genres:
Periods:
Discs: 1
Total Playing Time: 64:07
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Dr David Charles Johnson (27 October 1942 in Edinburgh – 30 March 2009 in Edinburgh) was a Scottish composer and a scholar of 18th-century Scottish music. Johnson was “an internationally recognised scholar” whose work significantly contributed to rediscovering and redefining 18th-century Scottish music within its historical context. His research focused on the music and social life of lowland Scotland during the 18th century, exploring influences, tastes, and key musical figures of the era.

Johnson’s 12 Preludes and Fugues are among the few significant pieces he composed for the piano, alongside a five-minute Sonata. Written in the early-mid 1990s and published in 1995, these compositions are notable for their unique blend of sound, reminiscent of 20th-century composers like Hindemith or Prokofiev, while incorporating elements such as quotations from Bach and references to Hugh MacDiarmid’s work. They also feature direct quotations of popular tunes like ‘Johnny Cope’ and ‘The Animals Went Marching Two by Two’, infused with a distinct Scottish flavour. The thematic backbone of the suite is borrowed from Aberdonian composer Shaun Dillon, using the Scots-Gaelic word bheatha, ‘life’, represented musically by the notes B-flat, B, E, A. Johnson masterfully employs this motif to form a tone row, guiding the keys across the 12 works in the suite, making his Preludes and Fugues a unique and distinguished addition to Scottish piano music.

Christopher Guild is making waves on the international music scene for his exceptional work with British, particularly Scottish, piano music. He has recorded numerous albums for esteemed labels such as Toccata Classics, Piano Classics, and Champs Hill Records, featuring works by renowned composers like Ronald Stevenson, Francis George Scott, and Bernard van Dieren. His upcoming recording for Divine Art marks another milestone in his career, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent interpreter of British piano repertoire.

Track Listing

  1. Prelude 1 in B flat (Allegretto ritmico)
  2. Fugue 1 in B flat (Allegretto con energìa)
  3. Prelude 2 in B (Grave)
  4. Fugue 2 in B (Allegro non troppo, leggiero)
  5. Prelude 3 in E (Allegretto non troppo)
  6. Fugue 3 in E (Allegro moderato)
  7. Prelude 4 in A (Largo)
  8. Fugue 4 in A (introducing "The animals went in two by two") (Allegro con spirito)
  9. Prelude 5 in F sharp (Allegretto grazioso)
  10. Fugue 5 in F sharp (Allegretto non troppo)
  11. Prelude 6 in G (Meditation on Hugh MacDiarmid’s "O Jesu parvule": for Ronald Stevenson) (Largo)
  12. Fugue 6 in G (Chorale prelude, "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern") (Andante moderato)
  13. Prelude 7 in C (Lacrimoso, quasi improvisando)
  14. Fugue 7 in C (Allegro)
  15. Prelude 8 in F (with apologies to the 1635 Scottish psalter) (Solenne)
  16. Fugue 8 in F (Allegretto ritmico)
  17. Prelude 9 in D (Allegretto, insouciant, poco rubato)
  18. Fugue 9 in D (Con energìa, non troppo allegro)
  19. Prelude 10 in E flat (Lento)
  20. Fugue 10 in E flat (Risoluto)
  21. Prelude 11 in A flat (Andante tenebroso)
  22. Fugue 11 in G sharp (on "Johnnie Cope") (Alla breve)
  23. Prelude 12 in D flat (Largo misterioso)
  24. Fugue 12 in C sharp (Andante moderato)

Reviews

MusicWeb International

The whole is a quite remarkable achievement, unique in character, technically highly skilled and in places very moving.

” —John Purser
American Record Guide

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. I am quite satisfied with these sympathetic, expressive performances by Christopher Guild.

” —Nathan Faro
Fanfare

…take a risk with this release. The music of David Charles Johnson is not well known but deserves to be, and Christopher Guild is a fine advocate. The recording is excellent. Recommended.

” —Colin Clarke
WTJU/Charlottesville Classical

Christopher Guild has a strong background playing Scottish classical music. And that experience informs his playing here…Guild ensures they’re played with the proper phrasing and rhythmic bounce. Charming, witty, and thought-provoking.

” —Ralph Graves
MusicWeb International

This is a splendid piece of musical archaeology…David Johnson’s work is creative, interesting and satisfying. Christopher Guild has made another major contribution to Scottish classical music.

” —John France

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