LEGENDARY ARTIST

GORDON RUMSON investigates the
pianist, composer, teacher, activist and organiser
GUNNAR JOHANSEN

Gunnar Johansen is a legend. That is, his existence is of fable and myth.

His gigantic recording output is occasionally recalled. His association with Egon Petri and Busoni is sometimes remembered. His compositions are not more than distant tales dimly heard.

It is most apt that he heralded from the Scandinavian north -- home of deep fogs, obscure tales, mighty feats and acts of magic power now lost in the mists of time. And from those mists comes the occasional flash of lightening.

He was a pianist, composer, teacher, activist and organiser filling his life with enough creativity and achievement for several people.

What rational comment can be made of this list of his recordings?

The Complete Keyboard Works of J.S. Bach	43 records/cassettes
The Piano Music of Ferruccio Busoni	7 records/cassettes
The Piano Music of Franz Liszt	51 records/cassettes
The Keyboard Works of Gunnar Johansen	20 cassettes
Historical Recital Series	12 cassettes*
The Complete Piano Music of Ignaz Friedman	7 cassettes*	($80.00 for set)

(These series, referred to by Johansen as 'Monuments to Music', are available through Artist Direct, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin 53517, USA. Records/cassettes $10.00, *90 minute cassettes $15.00).

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