Harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson's new solo album "Quest" features music by a dozen women
Transcribed works by Amy Beach, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Niloufar Nourbakhsh and more; Harp solos by Kati Agócs, Freya Waley-Cohen, and others
Release date: June 1, 2021 on Albany Records
The harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson has gathered a substantial collection of works by women in her new album, “Quest” (Albany Records, TROY1863, release date June 1, 2021). The recording features new works by living composers Kati Agócs, Sally Beamish, Johanna Selleck and Niloufar Nourbakhsh; gems from the 19th and 20th centuries by Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger, and Amy Beach, all transcribed by Remy Johnson; and Remy Johnson's own arrangement of an Appalachian folk song. “I’ve made a concerted effort to include more works by women in my performances,” said the harpist. “It has always seemed to me that these works must be out there.”
Elisabeth Remy Johnson said she was struck by the sheer beauty of compositions by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Mel Bonis and others. “I started reading about their lives and was amazed all over again," she said. "These women were pillars of strength, pursuing their passion no matter the barriers.”
“Quest” features world premiere recordings of Remy Johnson's transcriptions of works originally composed for piano. Her transcription process is straightforward. “First I get to know the repertoire of the composer I’m exploring, and get a sense of which pieces truly speak to me. Then, I start playing through them to see which are ultimately going to fit well on the harp.”
Contact ClassicalCommunications@gmail.com to request a physical CD or digital copy of this recording.
QUEST
Elisabeth Remy Johnson, harp
Albany Records (TROY1863)
Release date: June 1, 2021
View Elisabeth Remy Johnson's Digital Press Kit
Elisabeth Remy Johnson is acclaimed by critics and audiences for her “complete mastery of the harp and its secrets” (The Boston Globe). She has been the principal harpist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1995, with whom she has performed concertos by Debussy, Handel, Mozart and Ginastera. She is principal harpist with the Grand Teton Music Festival, and has been the invited guest principal with the Boston, Houston, and Milwaukee symphonies.
In addition to her orchestral work, Ms. Remy Johnson performs solo and chamber music recitals across North America and throughout the world. She has performed with the Atlanta Chamber Players, and at the Carolina Chamber Music Festival, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, the Emory Chamber Music Society, and is a frequent guest at the Meeting House Chamber Music Festival on Cape Cod, MA.
Other solo titles in addition to Quest include A Christmas Collection (2015), Whirlwind (ACA Digital Recording, 2000), and a duo album Encantamiento (ACA Digital Recording, 2008, with ASO principal flutist Christina Smith), and she has performed on dozens of recordings with the ASO.