"Maximum Clarity" and Other Writings on Music

Ben Johnston is a non-famous composer who uses just intonation and studied with Darius Milhaud, Harry Partch, and John Cage. This collection spans forty years and includes forty-one of his most important writings, covering a broad spectrum of concerns from the technical exegesis of microtonality to the personal and humanistic. A discography of commercially available recordings of Johnston's music closes out the collection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Ben Johnston, a composer who has been hailed by New York Times critic John Rockwell as one of the finest non-famous composers this country has to offer, is renowned for his innovative approach to music. Drawing from a diverse range of musical idioms, including neoclassicism, serialism, jazz, and southern hymnody, Johnston employs a unique technique called just intonation to reimagine familiar musical patterns.

Johnston's musical journey began under the guidance of renowned composers Darius Milhaud, Harry Partch, and John Cage. His training and exposure to various musical styles have profoundly shaped his compositions. Among his most celebrated works is his String Quartet No. 4, a complex and intricate composition that explores variations on the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace."

This comprehensive collection spans forty years and encompasses forty-one of Johnston's most significant writings. It includes rare and previously unpublished selections, providing a deep insight into his artistic process and thought. The writings cover a wide range of topics, from the technical intricacies of microtonality to the personal and the broadly humanistic. They include position papers, theoretical treatises, program notes, historical reflections, lectures, excerpts from interviews, and letters, offering a comprehensive view of Johnston's artistic vision.

To complement the textual content, a discography of commercially available recordings of Johnston's music is included at the end of the collection. This discography provides a valuable resource for music enthusiasts and scholars alike, allowing them to explore the rich and diverse sound world of this exceptional composer.

In summary, Ben Johnston's collection of writings and recordings is a testament to his remarkable talent and innovative approach to music. Through his use of just intonation and his exploration of diverse musical idioms, Johnston has created a body of work that is both technically impressive and deeply resonant. This collection serves as a valuable resource for musicians, scholars, and anyone interested in the world of contemporary music.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086717