A Spotlight on Christopher Guild for Adult Pianists

The following excerpts come from a wonderful highlight from a group built to encourage Adult Piano Beginners designed and created by Marcel Zidani:

An Inside Look at Chris Guild’s Latest Recording: A Musical Journey with Ronald Stevenson

I’m excited to share with you part of a recent conversation I had with the talented Scottish pianist, Christopher Guild. In this interview, we explore his latest recording project, which highlights the piano music of the renowned Scottish composer Ronald Stevenson. This project, released as Volume 7 in the ongoing series of recordings on Toccata Classics, features a diverse range of pieces, including both solo and duet works. Click HERE or on the photo below to watch to the interview.

A Glimpse into Ronald Stevenson’s World

Ronald Stevenson, who lived from 1928 to 2015, was one of Scotland’s premier composer-pianists, greatly influenced by the Golden Age of piano playing. Chris describes Stevenson’s musicianship as being very much in the tradition of pianists like Rachmaninoff, Hoffman, and Paderewski—figures who dominated the piano world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His playing was exceptional, and it’s clear from our conversation that Chris shares a deep admiration for Stevenson’s artistry.

Stevenson (photo below) was a prolific and eclectic composer, whose music drew inspiration from many different sources: Scottish folk music, English and Irish folk songs, as well as the famous composer Percy Grainger known for his British folk music. He was also fiercely dedicated to championing lesser-known composers and musicians, always advocating for the underdog in the musical world. Chris highlights how Stevenson’s compositions combine intricate pianism with a deep sense of cultural connection—whether through the folk-inspired melodies or the robust technical demands of his pieces.

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