David Hackbridge Johnson - A Pocket Full of Tunes (Peter Sheppard Skærved)

Information

Composer: David Hackbridge Johnson

• 3 Disused Stations, Op. 463
• 6 Preludes for Charles II, Op. 392
• Divisions on Mr Simons’ Prelude, Op. 408
• A Pocketful of Tunes, Op. 437
• 7 Versets, Op. 395
• Alleyway, Pastoral, River Falls, Op. 439
• 3 Preludes for the Jacob Rayman Viola 1641, Op. 393
• Will Rosin of Wapping

Peter Sheppard Skærved, viola & violin

Date: 2026

Label: Métier

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In July 2026, Métier released David Hackbridge-Johnson’s A Pocket Full of Tunes, a vibrant collection of solo violin and viola works performed by acclaimed violinist Peter Sheppard Skærved. Stemming from their creative collaboration, the album explores historical themes, modern life, and diverse musical techniques. The compositions feature unique period instruments—including a 1629 Girolamo Amati violin and the 1641 Rayman viola, London's oldest known english viola—bridging centuries of musical heritage. Inspired by historical figures, architectural landmarks, and spontaneous artistic exchanges, this release showcases evocative suites, preludes, and variations that masterfully illuminate the rich history and expressive capabilities of these historic string instruments.

Born in Carshalton, England, in 1963, composer and writer David Hackbridge Johnson has crafted a substantial catalog of compositions, including 15 symphonies, 10 string quartets, 19 piano sonatas, and three operas. His orchestral works have been recorded by prestigious ensembles such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Notably, his second opera, Madeleine, was commissioned by Surrey Opera for their 50th anniversary and premiered in 2021 under conductor Jonathan Butcher. Currently residing in Tooting, Southwest London, Hackbridge Johnson actively complements his rich classical music repertoire with work as a poet and author.

Peter Sheppard Skærved is a pioneering violinist renowned for his extensive engagement with both contemporary and historical repertoire, with over 400 works written for him by composers including Judith Weir, Michael Finnissy, Jörg Widmann, and Howard Skempton, among many others. His career is distinguished by a deep commitment to solo violin literature, including acclaimed interpretations of works by Bach, Tartini, Telemann, and de Bériot, as well as curatorial projects such as Preludes and Vollenteries, which revives early violin repertoire in dialogue with historic London churches. Skærved also works extensively at the intersection of music and visual art, collaborating with major institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. As founder of the Kreutzer Quartet and artistic director of Longbow Ensemble, he has shaped a distinctive artistic profile combining performance, scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while also serving as Viotti Lecturer and Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music.