The Essential Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson's "The Essential Emma Johnson" is a captivating compilation that showcases her extraordinary talent as a clarinetist, offering a diverse and enriching journey through the world of classical and chamber music. Released on January 1, 1999, under the Decca label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 29 minutes, featuring a meticulously curated selection of pieces that highlight Emma Johnson's virtuosity and versatility.

The album opens with Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A, K622, a timeless masterpiece that sets the stage for Johnson's exquisite artistry. It continues with a range of works from different composers, including the evocative Concerto No. 2 in F minor for Clarinet and Orchestra by Carl Maria von Weber, the hauntingly beautiful Adagio for clarinet and strings in D flat "Wagner's Adagio," and Johannes Brahms' Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115. Each piece is performed with precision and emotional depth, showcasing Johnson's ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of each composition.

In addition to these well-known works, the album also features lesser-known gems such as "The Victorian Kitchen Garden - Suite" by John McCabe, a delightful suite that paints a vivid musical picture of a Victorian garden. The suite's prelude, spring, mists, exotica, and summer movements are each a testament to Johnson's ability to convey a wide range of moods and atmospheres.

The album also includes arrangements of works originally written for other instruments, such as "Gymnopédie No. 1" by Erik Satie and "3 Preludes" by Claude Debussy, arranged for clarinet and piano by David Cohn. These arrangements offer a fresh perspective on familiar pieces and demonstrate Johnson's ability to adapt and reinterpret music across different genres and styles.

Throughout the album, Emma Johnson's playing is characterized by a rich, warm tone and impeccable technique. Her interpretations are both sensitive and dynamic, bringing out the unique character of each piece. Whether she is performing a well-known concerto or a lesser-known work, Johnson's playing is always engaging and expressive.

"The Essential Emma Johnson" is not just a collection of individual pieces, but a cohesive and carefully curated journey through the world of classical and chamber music. It is a testament to Emma Johnson's artistry and a celebration of the clarinet's expressive potential. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.