(350 words) FEATURE PROFILE ARTICLE By Jerrold Schwartz, Ph.D | October 10, 2021 VIBRANT NEW OVERTURE FOR ORCHESTRA Inspired by the classical heritage of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, American composer Matt Johnson’s “Melrose Overture” for symphony orchestra celebrates its premiere recording release by Dolce & Nuit Productions. Like Bach, Johnson’s decades-long compositional output for the church includes choral works and hymn arrangements. Then, mirroring Beethoven’s tenacity, Johnson has promoted his piano and ensemble creations through sheet music, recordings and concertizing. Finally, echoing Chopin, Johnson’s renown as a teacher has allowed him to help shape and inspire several generations of up-and-coming composers and pianists. George Winston’s written encouragements guided Johnson’s journey of recording his original works back in the 1980’s. Although Johnson holds a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, his first recordings were described as “new age” and that label stuck. However, Johnson cannot be pigeon-holed or type-cast. He employs a unique blend of classical and jazz elements. His pianistic and compositional skills are broader, more cerebral and much more refined than the normal perception of new age music. “Melrose Overture” is Johnson’s first major orchestral work, and written as a stand-alone piece. Recently resurrected from forgotten manuscripts, Johnson assembled gifted players to form the DNP Studio Orchestra and recorded the premiere during the summer of 2021. The recording’s cover graphic highlights the work’s rhythmic motif. The critics concur that “Melrose Overture” is a worthy addition to the orchestral repertoire. Critic Robert Matthew-Walker from London’s Musical Opinion commented: “This is a highly attractive overture by a genuinely gifted composer, which more than deserves performance and will appeal to any concert audience.” This energetic and audience-friendly orchestral piece is an upbeat concert opener which wraps different melodic “movements” into a singular work. The music opens with an explosive high-A from all three trumpets. A bombastic timpani solo takes over, followed by a single trumpet’s presentation of the melodic motif, which is answered by the full orchestra. Solos are plentiful throughout, including a virtuosic cadenza by the concertmaster. Slower lyrical themes are balanced with those featuring more rhythmical challenges. The conclusion builds harmonic dissonance between the instruments, until a unifying final chord. # # # About the Author: Jerrold Schwartz contributes to an eclectic smattering of online journals and publications. He has followed Mr. Johnson’s career for many years and may be reached at….

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