Ming
This recording on the Centrediscs label is devoted to the music of Canadian composer Alice Ping Yee Ho. It collects her chamber works for percussion, and is a collaboration between the composer and renowned Canadian percussionist Beverley Johnston. Of her music, Ms. Ho writes « In my compositions, I am interested in eliciting an emotional response. I like to explore dramatic elements that are provocative to the ears, which is one reason that my music has a rich array of dynamic forces, rhythmic energy and harmonic accessibility. Colors and tonality are two attractive resources to me: they form certain mental images that move and connect to audiences in a very basic way.My ongoing goal is to continue discovering new styles and approaches to make original and unique compositions. I am very keen to explore other cultures, inventing or discovering new composition materials, giving new expression to old’ form or practice. »
« This is an exhilarating addition to the discography of both Ms Johnston and Ms Ho. »
– David Olds, The Wholenote
« Alongside Montréal’s ATMA Classique, Canadian Music Centre’s Centrediscs/Centredisques is practically our only classical label which may be considered world-class. This newest title, devoted to the percussion music of the brilliant Canadian composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, confirms Centrediscs’ hunger for greatness. If there is a classical release worthy of the Juno Award, this is the one. Ho draws her inspiration from a variety of cultures, including Chinese and Japanese folk idioms, and spins them into something very special, a style that’s undeniably far-out, modern, and progressive, yet very approachable and extremely attractive. The disc benefits from striking design and features Canadian percussion genius Beverley Johnston (who also sings), accompanied by the fantastic Penderecki String Quartet. I cannot praise it highly enough: simply perfect. »
– Piotr Grella-Mozejko, See Magazine
« Ming is filled with sophisticated music that demonstrates Johnston’s great percussion skills while broadening the listener’s horizons in contemporary percussion music. This CD will bring contemporary musicians inspiration and imagination.
– I-Jen Fang, Percussive Notes
‘Top Ten’ to ‘Baker’s Dozen’ – this recording chosen by CBC Radio’s The Signal as one of the top 13 albums of 2009.
Visit Beverley Johnston’s web site at http://www.beverleyjohnston.com
This recording was made possible through the assistance of the Canada Music Fund and the Music Section of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council.
1. Kami
2-4. Forest Rain
5-8. Evolving Elements
9. Ming
PERFORMERS:
Beverley Johnston (marimba, vibraphone, percussion)
University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble: Adam Campbell, Michelle Colton, Jamie Drake
Penderecki String Quartet
