CONCERT PROGRAM
SONG LIST
West Hills, CA | Montag Venues | Earl Johnson Solo Piano Concert | June 25th
“Welcome! Tonight I will be performing 18 of my most popular songs chosen between my three most recent solo piano albums. Below you will find some insight that I am happy to share about the albums, and if you keep scrolling down you will find the song list for tonight’s show. I hope you have a relaxing evening.”
Reflections will always have a special place in my heart simply being that it is the very first solo piano album that I ever composed. It was appropriately named Reflections since I could always look back to my first 15 songs at any moment and reflect on how far along I have come. My goal with this album was to just see if I could even compose 15 songs. What would the songs be like? How long would it take to create? Would anyone even want to listen to this? These were all questions that intrigued me. I knew all too well that the only way to get answers to these questions was to take the first step forward and to complete the album.
(For additional composer’s notes about Reflections click Here)
is an album that I will always be proud of! The word “continuance” is formally defined as: the state of remaining in existence or operation, the extent of continuing, and the quality of enduring. The idea with this album was firstly to show the world that I am serious about composing, and secondly to create another 15 songs…this time bigger and better! My purpose was to really hone in on my melodic choices and chord structures, and it was with this album that my “sound” as a composer was solidified. At this point in my life, not only did I know that I could in fact compose songs, but I could create songs that people truly enjoy listening to! The compliments and excitement I received from others was and still is absolutely incredible, and it wasn’t long before I took that excitement and began working on my next project.
(For additional composer’s notes about Continuance click Here)
is easily one of my most ambitious solo piano albums yet. It was created through the lens of you, the listener, being placed directly “into” the album in fantastical storybook fashion. Many composers, artists, authors, etc., describe their works as stories or journeys for their audiences to go on. This is true for them and the same is true for me and my works. Though for me, my previous two albums were first created, and the journeys that my listeners go on are simply a byproduct of the songs in that album. But what makes Dawn so special, is that the journey itself was created first in my mind, THEN the songs were composed specially to directly accompany that journey. Each piece was carefully crafted with an intended purpose, feel, and destination, even down to the titles of the songs themselves.
(For additional composer’s notes about Dawn click Here)
SONG LIST FOR TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE
1 Through The Trees This song takes you on a journey through the trees of a fantastical forest. What awaits you on the other side of them?
2 As Time Passes A piece that explores the passing of time. The droning opening solo notes of the song set up its theme of time. As the song progresses it matures. It starts off with the innocent high notes in the beginning and works its way down to the expansive low notes in the middle and end sections. The droning notes of time can be heard once again towards the end of the song but in a very low register, suggesting that much time has passed up to that point.
3 Sky Isn’t the sky just beautiful?
4 Bernard’s Castle You happen upon a majestic and stunningly HUGE castle! Do you go inside?
5 When The Fog Comes Walking beyond the castle leads you to an open area where the fog begins to engulf you…
6 Forever Lost As the fog begins to fade away, you realize that you do not recognize where you are anymore. You begin to feel that you are forever lost.
7 Distant Spirit This will always be known as the first song I composed a few weeks after my father had passed away. It is full of emotions, is a moment of personal healing for me, and is simply dedicated to him.
8 Eventide As the sun sets, the evening darkness marches upon you, and this is its theme.
9 Galaxy This song is an epic adventure through the many stars and planets of space!
10 Inspire You feel an overwhelming sense of inspiration! This song is a ballad to the belief that you are in control and have the power to persevere and accomplish anything!
11 Street Lights A jazzy song I composed during my college years. I performed this for my Music Performance class and was met with a standing ovation from my peers and professors!
12 Waking the Fireflies In the corner of your eye you spot a speck of light that just appeared suddenly. It catches your attention, and soon you spot another speck of light appearing in the corner of your other eye in the opposite direction. Then something truly amazing happens! Many lights suddenly appear and begin to glimmer, and you are now surrounded by glowing fireflies as far as you can see!
13 Chasing Shadows A beautiful piece that explores you chasing the shadows of your surroundings in a dimming night.
14 Mouse Musette A musette that follows the scurries of a mouse…or two!
15 Dark Heart This song demonstrates the beauty that can be found underneath one’s dark heart. The song is composed in C# minor which has a sad, dark tone. The ending section of the song introduces more and more Major and happy tones, suggesting that this dark heart may have found some light afterall…
16 Field of Flowers The moment I first created the melody for this song I was absolutely in love with it and knew immediately that it HAD to be the last song on this album. It is so peaceful, moving, and is just lovely. Its project name for several months before I finally titled it Field of Flowers was “Sweet Melody in G”.
17 Catching Grace Best known as the song that will always make my mother cry no matter how many times she hears it. Catching Grace has been the only song that I have composed with my eyes completely closed the entire time. I was certainly feeling the music while recording this one. I imagine that grace is gently falling down from the sky, so much grace you can just reach out and catch it like you would snowflakes.
18 Winter Waltz A fun, fancy waltz that takes you to a winter wonderland! Wait…some winters can be harsh…
“I appreciate everyone for attending and I thank you for your support!
If you enjoyed what you heard feel free to check out the rest of my solo piano music here, and if you would like to make a donation to support my journey in composing more solo piano music you may do so here.“
Musical Regards,
Earl