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). Its memorable chorale, written during the Plague in Germany, was composed by a pastor to comfort his fearful congregation. In Bach’s hands, its 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 its regeneration — and a new dawn. ”      
— Bruce Levingston

1. Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 (For Left Hand)   
Bach-Brahms [17:27]

2. Prelude No. 1 (from Sechs Preludes)    
Rihm [3:35]

3. Prelude No. 2 (from Sechs Preludes)   
Rihm [5:33]

4. Prelude in E-flat major, BWV 998         
Bach [2:57]

5. Fugue in E-flat major, BWV 998            
Bach [6:24]

6. Allegro in E-flat major, BWV 998          
Bach [2:46]

7. Chorale Prelude, BWV 645 (Sleepers, Awake)    
Bach-Busoni      [3:43]

8. Chorale Prelude, Op. 122, No. 10    
Brahms-Busoni [3:24]

9. Theme and Variations in D minor, Op. 18 b 
Brahms   [15:35]

Total time: 61:30
Release date: February 12th, 2021
UPC: 053479224521

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Quotes & Reviews

“Levingston's playing is, as ever, exquisite, his touch and phrasing impeccable ...The greatest pleasure, however, lies simply in witnessing Levingston's artistry in play and attending to the music's nuanced unfolding in his hands. Leaving the recording, one imagines it could be played two hundred years from now and the experience would be no less rewarding.” - Ron Schepper, Textura

“Bruce Levingston’s magisterial playing of this music reaffirms his position as one of America’s great pianists.” - Rafael De Acha, All About The Arts

“Bach and Brahms, played with an intense, even defiant quality that does seem to pertain to the moment in history...and a late Brahms chorale prelude, is an especially compelling utterance, both complex and consoling. With excellent Sono Luminus Studios sound, this is an approachable release for many kinds of listeners." **** (Four Stars) - James Manheim, AllMusic

“Brahms’ challenging arrangement for left-hand piano of Bach’s violin Chaconne in D Minor is played securely, from the perfectly voiced rolled chords of the theme onward. Through great variety of articulation and tone colour, the work’s 64 variations remain fascinating and in character. Levingston’s pedalling is especially good in clarifying bass, melody, inner parts and chord structure.” - Roger Knox, The Whole Note

“Pianist Bruce Levingston’s latest release has such a satisfying symmetry, logic, and consistency of tone that makes it hard not to listen all the way through... Sono Luminus is an all-around audiophile label but their piano recordings are best—an ideal blend of percussiveness and resonance, with an outstanding sense of the volume and mass of the Steinway Model D.” - Andrew Quint, The Absolute Sound

“Bach’s Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, S 998 is performed with gentle directness and speaks with an expressiveness that is never overdone. The mighty Theme and Variations in D minor, Op. 18b by Brahms concludes this uncommon recital….Levingston captures our attention without artifice or willfulness. Excellent forward sound, and the pianist’s own expressive notes add to the joy this recording brings to the soul.” - The American Record Guide