David C. Johnson, a renowned American composer, skilled flautist, and virtuosic performer of live-electronic music, entered this world on January 30, 1940, in the charming city of Batavia, New York.
His academic journey commenced at the prestigious Harvard University, where he went on to earn a Master's degree in composition in the year 1964, amidst a rigorous course of study that honed his craft.
Furthermore, Johnson's pursuit of musical excellence led him to the esteemed Cologne Courses for New Music, where he had the opportunity to refine his skills and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
In addition to his formal education, Johnson was fortunate enough to study under the guidance of the illustrious Nadia Boulanger in the City of Light, Paris, thus allowing him to soak up the rich cultural heritage of the French capital.
During the late 1960s, Johnson embarked on a fruitful creative partnership with the renowned German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, lending his expertise to the production of Stockhausen's groundbreaking electronic composition Hymnen.
In his capacity as a skilled assistant, Johnson played a crucial role in the realization of Hymnen, bringing his technical prowess to bear on the work's production.
Furthermore, Johnson's collaboration with Stockhausen extended to the realm of live-electronics, as he was responsible for operating the equipment during the inaugural performances of Stockhausen's innovative piece Mixtur.
In addition to his work with Stockhausen, Johnson was also involved in various collaborative projects at the esteemed Darmstadt Summer Courses, a renowned institution for contemporary music.
One such project was Ensemble, a 1967 initiative that brought together a diverse range of musicians and composers to create a unique and innovative musical experience.
Another notable collaboration was Musik für ein Haus, a 1968 project that saw Johnson working alongside other talented musicians to create a captivating sonic tapestry.
Malcolm Cecil, a renowned electronic music expert, embarked upon a new chapter in his illustrious career in 1968, when he assumed the role of instructor for electronic music at the prestigious Cologne Courses for New Music. Simultaneously, Cecil collaborated with the innovative and avant-garde beat group Can, which was founded in Cologne in the same pivotal year.
During the early 1970s, a pivotal period in his career, Johnson took the stage in a series of experimental "process" works created by the renowned German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen at the German Pavilion of Expo 70, a globally significant event held in Osaka, Japan.
Following his notable performances at the Osaka World's Fair, Johnson went on to co-found the Feedback Studio in Cologne, Germany, alongside his colleagues Johannes Fritsch and Rolf Gehlhaar. This innovative studio would serve as a hub for creative experimentation and artistic collaboration.
In addition to his work at the Feedback Studio, Johnson also assumed the role of technical collaborator at the Studio for Electronic Music of the Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht, a prestigious institution dedicated to the advancement of electronic music.
In the year 1971, Johnson embarked on a new professional journey by joining the Oeldorf Group, a groundbreaking musicians' cooperative, which spearheaded a Summer Night Music series that would go on to flourish for a remarkable four-year period, culminating in 1975.
During this time, Johnson also assumed the role of coordinator for the Composition Studio at the International Vacation Course for New Music, a prestigious event held in Darmstadt in 1972. It was here that he had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned German composer Helmut Lachenmann, fostering a unique creative exchange that would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his own artistic development.
Johnson's tenure as Technical Director of the Feedback Studio came to a close in 1975, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey. He made the significant decision to relocate to Basel, Switzerland, where he assumed the role of Director of the Electronic Studio at the esteemed Musikakademie. This prestigious position would remain his for the next decade, until 1985. Since then, Johnson has made Switzerland his home, where he continues to live to this day.
