Emma Johnson - Encores (LP)

Emma Johnson's "Encores" is a captivating collection of classical and chamber music pieces, released on January 1, 1992, under the Decca (UMO) label. This album showcases Emma Johnson's versatility and mastery, offering a diverse range of compositions that span various styles and moods. The album opens with a suite titled "The Victorian Kitchen Garden," a multi-movement work that paints a vivid musical picture of a bygone era. Johnson's interpretation brings a sense of nostalgia and charm to these pieces.

The album also features a dynamic arrangement of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumble Bee," a piece known for its rapid tempo and technical difficulty, showcasing Johnson's skill and precision. Other highlights include Grieg's lyrical "To a Wild Rose" from "Woodland Sketches," and a set of variations on Mozart's "La ci darem la mano," demonstrating Johnson's ability to infuse classical themes with fresh interpretations.

Johnson's repertoire extends to folk-inspired pieces like "Busulo Juhasz" and "Csurdongolo," as well as virtuosic works such as "Etude on 'It ain't necessarily so'" and "Danza Espanola No. 5 'Andaluza'." The album concludes with a dramatic "Fantasia on Themes from Rigoletto," a testament to Johnson's ability to convey deep emotional depth and technical brilliance. With a duration of just over an hour, "Encores" is a testament to Emma Johnson's artistry and her ability to engage and enchant audiences with her performances.