Johnston, Ben(jamin Burwell)
Johnston, Ben(jamin Burwell)
Johnston, Benjamin Burwell), American composer and pedagogue; b. Macon, Ga., March 15, 1926. He studied at the Coll. of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. (A.B., 1949), the Cincinnati Cons. of Music (M.Mus., 1950), and Mills Coll. in Oakland, Calif. (M.A., 1953). He held a Guggenheim fellowship (1959–60). He taught at the Univ. of Ill. in Urbana (1951–83).
Works
dramatic: Opera: Gertrude, or Would She Be Pleased to Receive It? (1965); Carmilla (1970). Ballet: St. Joan (1955); Gambit for Dancers and Orch. (1959; also concert version entitled Ludes for 12 Instruments). ORCH.: Concerto for Brass (1951); Passacaglia and Epilogue (1955–60); Quintet for Groups (1966); Sym. (Rocky Mount, N.C., Oct. 29, 1988); also 2 pieces for lazz Band: Ivesberg Revisited and Newcastle Troppo (both 1960). CHAMBER: Septet for Wind Quintet, Cello, and Bass (1956–58); 9 Variations for String Quartet (1959); Knocking Piece for 2 Percussionists and Piano (1962); Duo for Flute and String Bass (1963); string quartets (beginning with No. 2: 1964, 1966-73, 1973, 1980, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1988); Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Cello (1982); The Demon Lover’s Double for Trumpet and Microtonal Piano (1985); piano pieces. VOCAL: Night, cantata (1955); choral music; songs.
Bibliography
H. Von Gunden, The Music of B. J. (Metuchen, N.J., and London, 1986).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire