Interview by Robert Schulslaper on the release of Keypunch, keyboard music for solo and four-hands by composers John McDonald, Ryan Vigil, and David Claman

Fanfare Magazine, December 19, 2014.

Keypunch

Although John McDonald likes to describe himself as “a composer who tries to play the piano and a pianist who tries to compose,” the Fanfare reviews he’s garnered testify that he’s equally accomplished in both areas (see David DeBoor Canfield, The Violin Music Music of John McDonald, Fanfare 37:3, for starters). Furthermore, according to two of his former students, Ryan Vigil and David Claman, he’s an exceptional teacher, innovative, imaginative, and supportive.

Today, Vigil and Claman are established composers and teachers in their own right, who, along with their former mentor, have released a new CD, Keypunch, featuring their mingled talents.

Echoing the tripartite nature of their collaboration, the following interview might be read as a trio sonata of sorts, with John McDonald’s  “theme and variations” followed by Vigil and Claman’s “continuo” commentary.  Continue reading →