Performed by Aki Takahashi. Piano composition based on the song "Julia" by John Lennon.
THE COMPOSER WRITES: “In arranging this work for piano I wished only to enhance the beauty of the original and not introduce any atonal or foreign elements.” John Lennon wrote the Beatles’ song Julia about his mother, Julia Stanley. His father deserted them when John was a baby, and after a few years his mother moved in with a new boyfriend. Thinking the atmosphere unsuitable for a five-year-old boy, Julia’s sister Mimi called Social Services and had John Lennon taken from Julia’s house. John grew up with Mimi and only started visiting his mother when he was in his early teens. She encouraged his interest in music and taught him to play the banjo. John Lennon was eighteen when Julia was hit by a car and killed, on her way home from visiting Mimi. She was 44. John Lennon named his son Julian after her. Bunita Marcus says: “I identified with this song because I too have a Julia to whom I’m forever indebted.” The words spoken by the pianist at the beginning of the piece are from the text of Lennon’s song:
Absolutely love this recording. I listen to it at work. I listen to it in the car on the way home from work. I listen to it while falling asleep. Curtis’ cello is so amazing. Just got the vinyl in the mail from Discogs the other day! Can’t wait to play on my hi-fi system! Dave Sewall
“Scatter My Ashes” exists at a crossroads between multiple styles, but emerges with something rich, textural, ambient, and riveting. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 7, 2022
Spellbinding ensemble songs with gently pulsing melodies, this is filmic music inspired by love, loss, & redemption. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 13, 2021
I posted a review of this album on my blog: https://www.poisonpie.com/publishing/reviews/text/musicreview_2020_0923.html at the Poison Pie Publishing House. Hebeloma Crustuliniforme