Composer

:

Derek Johnson

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2004

Average_duration

:

23:40

Frozen Light is a contemporary classical composition by Derek Johnson, a British composer and guitarist. The piece was composed in 2014 and premiered on November 22, 2014, at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. Frozen Light is a three-movement work for solo guitar that explores the concept of stillness and the beauty of the natural world. The first movement, titled "Winter's Breath," is characterized by delicate arpeggios and harmonics that evoke the quiet stillness of a winter landscape. The second movement, "Frozen Light," is more energetic and features fast, intricate fingerpicking that represents the shimmering, dancing light of the sun on snow. The final movement, "The Stillness of Snow," returns to the peaceful, contemplative mood of the first movement, with slow, spacious chords that suggest the tranquility of a snow-covered forest. Throughout the piece, Johnson employs a variety of extended techniques to create unique sounds and textures. These include tapping the guitar body, using a slide, and playing behind the bridge to create a haunting, ethereal effect. The use of these techniques, combined with Johnson's intricate fingerstyle playing, creates a rich and complex sonic landscape that is both evocative and meditative. Overall, Frozen Light is a beautiful and contemplative work that showcases Johnson's skill as a composer and guitarist. Its themes of stillness and natural beauty make it a perfect piece for reflection and introspection, and its intricate textures and unique sounds make it a rewarding listen for fans of contemporary classical music.

More....