Prelude to Dawn Bruce Levingston

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750): Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004:
• 1 Bach: Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004: V. Chaccone (Arr. J. Brahms for Piano Left Hand) 17:27
• Wolfgang Rihm (b. 1952): 6 Piano Preludes:
• 2 Rihm: 6 Piano Preludes: No. 1, — 03:35
• 3 Rihm: 6 Piano Preludes: No. 2, — 05:33
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Prelude, Fugue & Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Piano):
• 4 Bach: Prelude, Fugue & Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Piano): I. Prelude 02:57
• 5 Bach: Prelude, Fugue & Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Piano): II. Fugue 06:24
• 6 Bach: Prelude, Fugue & Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Piano): III. Allegro 02:46
• 7 Bach: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (Arr. F. Busoni for Piano) 03:43
• Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897): 11 Chorale Preludes, Op. 122:
• 8 Brahms: 11 Chorale Preludes, Op. 122: No. 10, Herzlich tut mich verlangen (Arr. F. Busoni for Piano) 03:24
• Johannes Brahms:
• 9 Brahms: Theme & Variations in D Minor, Op. 18b 15:35
• Total Runtime 01:01:24

Info for Prelude to Dawn

Bruce Levingston's exquisite new release, Prelude to Dawn, features the interwoven, haunting works of J. S. Bach, Brahms and Rihm. In Levingston's hands, this timeless music exudes solace, joy and the possibilities of renewed life. "During the surreal existence of this past year, I found myself drawn closer than ever to Bach. His music brought much solace and peace. Bach has long been an inspiration to musicians, especially Brahms and Rihm. These three German masters represent a thoughtful dialogue that has spanned four centuries. Their intimate musical landscapes resonate with this pensive, solitary time. Some works, like Brahms' wistful chorale prelude, "Herzlich tut mich verlangen" (Op. 122, No. 10), reflect the delicate twilight between life and death. Others, like the glorious Chaconne and joyous Prelude, Fugue and Allegro deny defeat. Perhaps the most timely work is Bach's "Wachet auf" (Sleepers, Awake). It's memorable chorale, written during the Plague in Germany, was composed by a pastor to comfort his fearful congregation. In Bach's hands, it's noble spirit and soaring themes herald a celebration of life. Together, these pieces recall the shadows and fragility of our world, but also the possibility for it's regeneration - and a new dawn." (Bruce Levingston)

Bruce Levingston, piano

Bruce Levingston
is one of today's leading figures in contemporary music. Many of the world's most important composers have written works for him and his Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center world premiere performances of their works have won notable critical acclaim. The New York Times has called him 'one of today's most adventurous musicians' and praises his performances as 'graceful', 'dreamy, and 'hauntingly serene.' The New Yorker has described him as 'elegant and engaging... a poetic pianist who has a gift for glamorous programming,' while The Washington Post has lauded his 'wonderfully even touch' and 'timeless reverie, which Levingston projected beautifully.'

Mr. Levingston has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in many international music festivals and his recordings have received high critical acclaim. His CD Still Sound was named 'Record of the Month' by MusicWeb International which praised his 'extraordinary gifts as a colorist and a performer who can hold attention rapt with the softest of playing.' In a glowing review of his recent CD Nightbreak, The American Record Guide wrote 'Levingston is a pianist's pianist' and praised his 'stunning and highly illuminating performances', Gramophone called his playing 'masterly'. Levingston's CD Heart Shadow, also received notable praise and was named 'Album of the Week' by New York City's WQXR. The Cleveland Plain Dealer called Levingston's recording 'vivid and richly expressive...a gripping, dynamic performance' and Classics Today lauded his CD Portraits for its 'transcendent virtuosity and huge arsenal of tone color.'

Noted for his innovative and thoughtful programming, Mr. Levingston has performed and collaborated with some of the most interesting artists of our time including painter Chuck Close, actor/author Ethan Hawke, authors Michael Cunningham, Nick McDonell, and George Plimpton, composer/performers Lisa Bielawa and Philip Glass, violinist Colin Jacobsen, and choreographers Jorma Elo and Peter Quanz. His repertoire spans from the Baroque works of Bach and Scarlatti to the Classical and Romantic masterpieces of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms to the most avant-garde works of today. His programs often feature and highlight many of the twentieth century's most influential composers including Satie, Debussy, Bartok, Webern, and Messiaen. In 2007, Mr. Levingston played a critically acclaimed sold-out concert devoted to the music of Erik Satie at New York's French Institute/Alliance Française.

Long interested in human rights, Mr. Levingston gave performances to assist emerging 'refusniks' from the Soviet Union, served as a U.S. delegate to the American Council on Germany in Berlin and Hamburg, and performed at the United Nations in honor of the people of Denmark for their heroism during World War II. He is founding chair and artistic director of Premiere Commission, Inc., a non-profit foundation that has commissioned and premiered over forty new works.

In 2007, Mr. Levingston appeared as special guest artist at New York's City Center for the world premiere of American Ballet Theatre's production of a new ballet inspired by Chuck Close's life with music by Philip Glass. In 2008, Mr. Levingston performed a critically acclaimed sold-out solo concert at Carnegie Hall premiering works by Grawemeyer Award-winner Sebastian Currier, Germany's celebrated Wolfgang Rihm and Pulitzer Prize-winner Charles Wuorinen. In 2009, Mr. Levingston gave the world premiere of Rome Prize-winner Lisa Bielawa's 'Elegy-Portrait'; in 2010, he performed another all-French program for the Alliance Française in New York and, in 2011, performed premieres by David Bruce, Sebastian Currier and Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky with the brilliant violinist Colin Jacobsen at Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie Hall in New York City. The New York Times reported that 'Mr. Levingston has found a soul mate in Colin Jacobsen... they joined forces in the kind of recital for which each has become known: driven by ideas and filled with music old, new and well worth hearing.' In 2012, Mr. Levingston celebrated the Tenth Anniversary of Premiere Commission in a special sold-out gala concert with Brooklyn Rider and Lisa Bielawa at the Poisson Rouge. Mr. Levingston records for Orange Mountain Music and Dorian Sono Luminus.

Booklet for Prelude to Dawn