Matt Dibble: 24 Preludes and Fugues
London-based composer Matt Dibble tragically passed away in 2021 shortly after completing his 24 Preludes and Fugues for solo piano. His death, attributed to complications from the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination, left a void in the classical, jazz, and pop music scenes where he was beloved and respected. Dibble’s compositions showcased his remarkable versatility, blending neo-Baroque, jazz, pop, and modernist influences into a deeply personal collection crafted over six years.
Despite never meeting the composer, internationally renowned pianist Freddy Kempf undertook the recording of Dibble’s work with great enthusiasm. Produced by Paul Baily, Kempf’s interpretation captured the essence of Dibble’s compositions, reflecting a shared appreciation for musical values. One of the pieces from the collection will soon be included in Trinity College London piano exams, ensuring Dibble’s legacy reaches pianists worldwide. Divine Art Records released the recordings as a tribute to the late composer.
Freddy Kempf, celebrated for his dynamic performances and expansive repertoire, has collaborated with esteemed conductors and orchestras around the globe. His recordings, including Tchaikovsky and Schumann recitals, as well as Prokofiev and Gershwin concertos, have garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a masterful and versatile pianist.
Matt Dibble, born and raised in Southeast London, left a diverse musical legacy spanning classical, jazz, and pop genres. Alongside composing, he was a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Dibble’s jazz trio and participation in various bands showcased his eclectic talents, from punk-jazz to Beach Boys tribute performances. In pop music, he released six solo albums and co-founded the successful band Super dB.
Educated at the University of York and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Dibble honed his skills under the mentorship of Alan Hacker and Tony Coe. His untimely death at the age of 40 marked a profound loss for the music community, robbing it of a visionary artist with boundless creativity and passion.
Matt Dibble’s posthumously released 24 Preludes and Fugues stand as a testament to his artistic legacy, showcasing his innovative blend of musical styles. Collaborating pianist Freddy Kempf’s interpretation ensures Dibble’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, while Dibble’s diverse musical contributions across genres continue to inspire and be enjoyed by listeners.
Track Listing
Disc 1
- Prelude on D 1:03
- Fugue on D 1:30
- Prelude on A minor 1:53
- Fugue on a minor 1:23
- Prelude on E 2:43
- Fugue on E 2:10
- Prelude on B minor 2:29
- Fugue on B minor 1:56
- Prelude on F sharp 2:39
- Fugue on F sharp 1:39
- Prelude on C sharp minor 2:21
- Fugue on C sharp minor 2:17
- Prelude on A flat 2:22
- Fugue on A flat 2:00
- Prelude on E flat minor 1:35
- Fugue on E flat minor 1:58
- Prelude on B flat 1:34
- Fugue on B flat 1:56
- Prelude on F minor 2:16
- Fugue on F minor 1:43
- Prelude on C minor 2:56
- Fugue on C minor 2:09
- Prelude on G minor 3:46
- Fugue on G minor 2:30
Total playing time 51:00
Disc 2
- Prelude on D minor 2:12
- Fugue on D minor 2:08
- Prelude on A 2:07
- Fugue on A 2:57
- Prelude on E minor 2:18
- Fugue on E minor 2:43
- Prelude on B 2:38
- Fugue on B 1:43
- Prelude on F sharp minor 3:19
- Fugue on F sharp minor 2:03
- Prelude on D flat 2:39
- Fugue on D flat 2:36
- Prelude on G sharp minor 1:49
- Fugue on G sharp minor 2:51
- Prelude on E flat 3:13
- Fugue on E flat 3:43
- Prelude on B flat minor 1:32
- Fugue on B flat minor 3:22
- Prelude on F 2:24
- Fugue on F 2:32
- Prelude on C minor 2:07
- Fugue on C minor 2:25
- Prelude on G 2:58
- Fugue on G 1:45
Total playing time 60:16
Reviews
“These are lovely works that maintain interest and momentum during the course of their two-hour journey. Kempf performs the Preludes and Fugues with technical panache, rich tone, lovely phrasing, and a marvelous grasp of the work’s ever-shifting moods and musical worlds. All told, this is a lovely recording.
” —Ken Melder
“[Freddy Kempf] is alert to the small details that are at the heart of the stylistic mixes here. The best-selling status of this album, which landed on classical charts in the summer of 2024, should be taken not simply as a tribute to Dibble but as a sign of interest in a genuinely fresh work.
” —James Manheim
“The project naturally carries with it the weight of Dibble’s passing, yet there’s nothing maudlin about Kempf’s probing and clear-headed renderings. If ever a recording deserved to be regarded as a celebration of a composer’s work, 24 Preludes & Fugues is it. At 111 minutes, there’s much to absorb, but the huge scope and high calibre of the material more than rewards the investment of time and attention required to appreciate it. Were Dibble still with us, he’d be no doubt thrilled with Kempf’s presentation.
” —Ron Schepper
“Mr Dibble’s family and friends crowdfunded over £17,000 to enable Mr Kempff to realise this recording. He does them proud approaching each of the pieces with the care and sensitivity he brings to established classics. Fugues can be very dry affairs, but Mr Dibble clearly loved the form, and his approach has left us with something refreshingly alive.
” —Paul RW Jackson
“there is definitely something to suit all tastes in this generous recording as well as offering a serious contemporary take on the structure and concept of the Prelude and Fugue. Kempf is adept at capturing the essence and distinctive features of each individual piece, reflecting an appreciation of shared musical values. The result is a warm tribute to the late composer. Recommended
” —Frances Wilson
“…there is definitely something to suit all tastes in this generous recording as well as offering a serious contemporary take on the structure and concept of the Prelude and Fugue. Kempf is adept at capturing the essence and distinctive features of each individual piece, reflecting an appreciation of shared musical values. The result is a warm tribute to the late composer.
” —Frances Wilson
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