Renowned American pianist and composer Matt Johnson brings a deeply personal touch to his latest release, For Good (For Singing Fingers). Known for his expressive and wide-ranging musical style, Johnson offers a gentle and thoughtful solo piano version of the beloved song originally written by Stephen Schwartz for the musical Wicked.
If you aren’t familiar to Matt’s story, it’s a pretty inspiring one. In the 80’s he got recognition from legendary George Winston, which pushed him to start recording music. Today, he has over 80 releases and so many fans all over the world.
His latest track For Good (For singing Fingers) shows us exactly why he has stayed on top of his game for such a long time. This piece stands as a clear example of his sensitivity as both a performer and interpreter.
This is not a typical theatrical cover, Matt strips the song down to it’s bare bones. It’s just him and the Piano. This version of the song feels more like a heart keen conversation between two close friends and less of a stage performance. One thing i love about this piece is that Matt lets the melody have a voice of it’s own. You can almost hear the lyric in the way he plays the instrument. He makes use of what musicians call Rubato, basically he just speeds up and slows down just a tiny bit, giving the music a human pulse. The higher notes have a light, almost voice-like quality, while the lower notes provide warmth and support. Together, they create a balanced and full sound, even in such a minimal setting.
The recording is beautiful. It’s the kind of music that fits perfectly into those quiet parts of your day. Those silent moments of reflection and peace. Matt Johnson stays true to the heart of Schwartz’s original composition, keeping the melody recognizable and emotionally impactful. At the same time, he adds his own interpretation through subtle changes in harmony and phrasing. These tiny adjustments give the piece a fresh perspective without losing what makes it special. The end result is a version that feels familiar yet new —respectful of the original yet clearly shaped by Johnson’s own artistic voice.
“For Good (for Singing Fingers)” remains a tribute to themes of friendship, gratitude, and lasting impact. Even without words, these ideas come through clearly in Johnson’s playing. Every note feels intentional, and nothing is overdone. This restraint is what makes the performance so powerful—it allows the emotion to speak naturally, without forcing it.
If you’re a big fan of modern piano music, then you’ll absolutely enjoy adding this track to your playlist.
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