Ronald Stevenson: Piano Music, Volume Six
This sixth instalment in Christopher Guild’s survey of the piano music of Ronald Stevenson (1928–2015) on Toccata Classics concentrates on works from the beginning of his career, most of it written after his decisive encounter with the music of Busoni. Although Stevenson had not yet moved to Scotland, the influence of Scottish folksong can be heard in some of these pieces, all of which are cast in the lyrical counterpoint that was a hallmark of Stevenson’s mature style.
Christopher Guild, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- I Allegro moderato
- II Andante
- III Presto
- I Adagietto
- II Finale: Allegro con moto
- I In modo di marcia lenta
- II Scherzo: Allegro vivace
- III Veloce, leggiero e fanastico
- Retrospect
- No. 1 Gold: Children’s March
- No. 2 Frankincense: Arabesque
- No. 3 Myrrh: Elegiac Carol
- No. 1 Vox Stellarum (1947)
- No. 2 Chorale Prelude for Jean Sibelius (1948; rev. 1963)
- No. 3 Andante Sereno (1950)
Sonataina No. 1 (1945)
Sonatina No. 2 (1947)
Sonatina No. 3 (1948)*
Retrospect (c. 1945)*
Three Nativity Pieces (1949)
Three Lyric pieces
* FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘Christopher Guild is a powerful advocate for Ronald Stevenson’s piano music. He brings technical proficiency to the performance and scholarly endeavour to the liner notes. The sound recording is ideal, and the programme lasts a remarkable 80 minutes.’
—John France, MusicWeb International
MusicWeb International :
‘Christopher Guild is equal to all the demands of the music and his attention to detail in this sometimes elusive music is exemplary. Many of the pieces are short, but no lack of commitment is detected or a tendency to become routine in his approach. An excellent disc which should be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in British keyboard music.’
—Martyn Strachan, MusicWeb International