DCD 064 - Gunnar Johansen

Episode #64 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features performances -- and music -- by Gunnar Johansen. The University of Wisconsin Madison School of Music has released a two CD set documenting the talent of this remarkable artist, with recordings ranging from 1957 to 1972.

Johansen left his native Holland to study in Berlin with Ferruccio Busoni. He emigrated to the United States in the 1920's and had the honor of being the first artist-in-residence at any American university when he accepted the post at the University of Wisconsin. In addition to teaching and composing, Johansen maintained an active recording career, and composed over 700 works in various genres.

On this podcast we play an excerpt from one of his piano sonatas, as well as some of the core compositions in Johansen's repertoire.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Johannes Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 3, Mvt. 2
Gunnar Johansen, piano
from "Gunnar Johansen Centennial Celebration"

Edvard Grieg: I Wander Deep in Thought
Gunnar Johansen, piano
from "Gunnar Johansen Centennial Celebration"

J.S. Bach/Ferrucio Busoni: Prelude and Fugue in D minor
Gunnar Johansen, piano
from "Gunnar Johansen Centennial Celebration"

Gunnar Johansen: Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, "Pearl Harbor" (finale)
Gunnar Johansen, piano
from "Gunnar Johansen Centennial Celebration"