Ronald Stevenson: Piano Music, Volume Seven – Folksongs with Grainger
Percy Grainger (1882–1961) and Ronald Stevenson (1928–2015), both composer-pianists of the Golden Age of keyboard virtuosity, shared a passion for folksong, especially the modal Celtic melodies from the fringes of the British Isles. Though the two never met, they corresponded for many years, with Stevenson arranging many of Grainger’s transcriptions in a deliberate act of homage to the older man, whose quirky originality brought Stevenson illumination on his own idiosyncratic path. This seventh instalment in Christopher Guild’s Toccata Classics survey of Stevenson’s piano music uncorks the exultant good humour that he and Grainger found on that common Celtic ground.
Christopher Guild, piano
Marcel Zidani, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- Green Bushes (12:34)
Irish Folksong Suite
- I. The Mantle so Green (2:33)
- II. Luvlie Willie (3:30)
- III. Grá geal mo chroi (2:52)
- IV. Mary from Dungloe (3:38)
Two Chinese Folk Songs
- No. 1, Song for New Year’s Day (2:13)
- No. 2, Song of the Crab-fisher (2:12)
Manx Melodies
- ‘i. Mannin Veen’ (1:02)
- Variation on ‘Coolun’ (in late 18th century style) (1:48)
- The Poor Irish Boy (1:26)
- Skye Boat Song (arr. Stevenson) (1:38)
The Young Person’s Solo Album (arr. Stevenson)
- No. 1, Country Gardens (1:34)
- No. 2, Shepherd’s Hey (2:13)
- No. 3, Molly on the Shore (1:11)
- No. 4, Mock Morris (1:57)
- No. 5, Beautiful Fresh Flower (1:05)
- No. 6, Australian Up-Country Song (1:01)
- No. 7, Irish Tune from County Derry (1:29)
- No. 8, Walking Tune (1:26)
- No. 9, Hill-Song (1:40)
- No. 10, To a Nordic Princess (Bridal Song) (1:13)
- No. 11, One More Day, My John (1:43)
- No. 12, Spoon River (2:33)
- No. 13, Blithe Bells (4:11)
- No. 14, Children’s March “Over the Hills and Far Away” (0:58)
- No. 15, Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part (4:27)
- The Queen’s Maries (2:53)
- Jamboree for Grainger for two pianos (7:10)
First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘This is a remarkable addition to Ronald Stevenson’s discography. Two great composers, innovators and larger-than-life characters meet in this thoroughly enjoyable repertoire. Christopher Guild brings a huge enthusiasm and sympathy for this music. Marcel Zidani ably assists him as the second pianist in the Irish Folksong Suite, the Two Chinese Folksongs and the Jamboree for Grainger. The recording, clear and bright, adds value to this disc. The booklet once again is a masterclass of analysis, history and description.
For all Percy Grainger enthusiasts, and for the hopefully growing numbers of Ronald Stevenson fans, this is an essential purchase. It allows one the opportunity to witness two significant arrangers and transcribers at work.’
—John France, MusicWeb International
AllMusic.com :
‘Pianist Christopher Guild’s series devoted to Stevenson, which here reaches its seventh volume, has had various interesting things in the recordings and in the booklets. The booklet here is especially recommended, and the album is worth the pursuit of physical buyers. […] anyone who likes Grainger will also enjoy this takeoff from him. […] Especially for Grainger fans, this could be enjoyed by almost anyone.’
—James Manheim, AllMusic.com
American Record Guide :
‘Like the first 6 volumes, Volume 7 is a triumph and among the most significant and—more important—enjoyable recording projects of the past decade. Guild’s performances are peerless, and his booklet notes comprehensive: the 14 densely annotated pages greatly enhance one’s appreciation of Stevenson’s music.’
—Stephen Wright, American Record Guide, April 2025
Classical Lost and Found :
‘ Christoper Guild is correct in thinking that [the Green Bushes] “is one of the best kept secrets of Ronald Stevenson’s oeuvre. Here’s hoping pianists will take up its cause in concert…” […]
All [of the Irish Folksong Suite] touched with melancholy but are always quite lovely.[…]
Mannin Veen (Dear Mona) is a perfectly formed little number. […]
Stevenson has provided a sympathetic harmonisation for this short, but quite beautiful setting [of The Poor Irish Boy]. […]
What Stevenson has done to these tunes [The Young Person’s Solo Album] is quite remarkable. […]
[The Queen’s Maries] is a charming, reflective miniature that moves from a straightforward evocation of the melody to a Busoni-like conclusion – all in under three minutes. […]
This is a remarkable addition to Ronald Stevenson’s discography. Two great composers, innovators and larger than life characters meet in this thoroughly enjoyable repertoire. Christopher Guild brings a huge enthusiasm and sympathy for this music. He is ably assisted by Marcel Zidani as the second pianist in the Irish Folksong Suite, the Two Chinese Folksongs, and the Jamboree for Grainger. The quality of the recording is clear and bright, bringing added value to this CD. The booklet once again is a masterclass of analysis, history, and description.
For all Percy Grainger enthusiasts, and for the (hopefully) growing numbers of Ronald Stevenson fans, this is an essential purchase. It allows the listener the opportunity to witness two significant arrangers and transcribers at work.’
—John France, Classical Lost and Found