Soliloquies

Calvert Johnson (harpsichord), Calvert Johnson (organ)

Catalog #: TROY1049
Release Date: October 1, 2008
Format: Digital
Instrumental

Calvert Johnson has put together a varied and fascinating program of music by Japanese and Chinese composers for harpsichord and organ. Johnson is Professor of Music and College Organist at Agnes Scott College. He is also organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia. Johnson earned the master's and doctorate in organ performance at Northwestern University and studied at the Toulouse Conservatoire where he was awarded the Premier Prix. He has performed throughout the U.S., Japan, England, Italy, France, Monaco, Switzerland and Germany. His extensive interests and expertise include books on early Spanish, Italian and English organ music and modern editions of works by women composers.

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Track Listing

Title Composer Performer
Sonatina No. 1 for Harpsichord Asako Hirabayashi Calvert Johnson, harpsichord
Reflection and Promenade for Solo Organ Chan Ka Nin Calvert Johnson, organ
Ancient Cities for Harpsichord Isaac Nagao Calvert Johnson, harpsichord
Jardin des Herbes for Harpsichord Karen Tanaka Calvert Johnson, harpsichord
Four Pieces for Harpsichord Makiko Asaoka Calvert Johnson, harpsichord
Suite for Organ Pei-lun Vicky Chang Calvert Johnson, organ
Miyabi, Ballad for Organ Reiko Arima Calvert Johnson, organ
Rain Dreaming for Harpsichord Toro Takemitsu Calvert Johnson, harpsichord
Fantasy for Organ Wang An-Mig Calvert Johnson, organ

Reviews

  • "...the music is creative and original, and a pure joy to hear. ...Calvert Johnson obviously loves this music as much as anyone and plays the harpsichord and organ with panache and authority."

    – Audiophile Audition

  • "Women have a long history of musical innovation in East Asia. Chinese mythology attributes the first musical instrument, the sheng (mouth organ), to Nüwa, the mother goddess. In Japan, the creation of kabuki (theater form) and kouta (short song) is usually attributed to women. As evidenced by the works on this disc, Asian women continue their role as musical innovators. Each composer on Soliloquies brings her distinctive world view to bear, giving powerful voice to her ideas and creating unique works of art."

    – Heather Strohschen

  • "Throughout this recording, Calvert Johnson's enthusiasm for the music comes across unfailingly...[he] champions all the composers with aplomb..."

    – Harpsichord and Fortepiano

*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.