Ronald Stevenson: Piano Music, Volume Two
This second album of piano music by the Scottish composer Ronald Stevenson (1928– 2015) focuses on several strands of his musical personality: his engagement with the folk traditions of Scotland and with Scottish cultural history, his concern to write rewarding music for young pianists, and his creative friendships with other musicians.
Christopher Guild, piano
Listen To This Recording:
-
Frank Merrick transcr. Ronald Stevenson Hebridean Seascape (c. 1935/1986)*
- Hebridean Seascape
- No. 1 What the Fairy Piper Told Me
- No. 2 What the Fairy Harper Told Me
- No. 3 What the Fairy Fiddler Told Me
- I Aubade (Morning Song)
- II Souvenir de Salon
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 1: Maestoso barocco. In Baroque style
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 2: Allegretto. In Rococo style
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 3: Allegro ardente. In Romantic style.
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 4: Modere: egal et leger. In Impressionist style
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 5: Rezitativ und Marsch. Expressionist style
- III Variations on a theme by Frederick the Great: Theme, Var. 6: Versuch einen jungsten Klassizitat. Calmo
- IV Scherzino-Schottishe
- V Serenade (Evening Song)
- No. 1 Oran do Iain Breac MacLeoid
- No. 2 Feill Nan Crann
- No. 3 A’Cheud Di-Luain d’r Raithe
- No. 4 Creach na Ciadaoin
- No. 5 Oran do MhacLeoid Dhun Bheagan
- No. 6 Fuath nam Fidhleirean
- No. 7 Cumha Peathar Ruaridh
- No. 8 Super Tiynearna Leoid
- No. 1 Lord Randal
- No. 2 The Dowie Dens o’ Yarrow
- No. 3 Newhaven Fishwife’s Cry
- Lament for a Blind Harper
Three Scots Fairy Tales (1967)*
A Carlyle Suite (1995)
Rory Dall Morison’s Harp Book (1978)*
Three Scottish Ballads (1973)
Savourna Stevenson transcr. Ronald Stevenson Lament for a Blind Harper (1986)*
*First Recordings
MusicWeb International :
‘The playing on this disc is superb. Christopher Guild provides a definitive account of all these works. Although this disc concentrates on works that have a Scottish or Celtic ‘flavour’ the sound worlds of Bartok or Busoni are often not too far away. The interpretation requires a universal understanding of both pianism and local music making. I look forward to Volume 3 of this cycle, and hope to be able to review Volume 1 at some stage. This is clearly a major project from Toccata Records and Christopher Guild, if the ‘complete’ piano works (original and transcriptions) are to be tackled. I imagine that it will take several years and many CDs. In my opinion, the wait will be well worth it. Ronald Stevenson was/is a larger than life character: his music deserves to be in the public domain.’
—John France, MusicWeb International
MusicWeb International :
‘I only hope that Christopher Guild goes on to record the rest of Stevenson’s piano music. […]
This is an excellent disc. Christopher Guild’s playing is first rate and, I enjoyed it even more than volume one. He shows a great understanding of the man and his music, something that he not only brings out in his playing but also in his invaluable booklet essay, in which he shares his memories of the composer and also includes some of Stevenson’s own writings on the works. As I have said above, this disc, along with volume one, with all their premier recordings, only serves to leave me wanting to hear more, especially if recorded by Guild. Let us hope that Toccata will release further volumes in the series soon.’
—Stuart Sillitoe, MusicWeb International
Gramophone :
‘…music impressively performed by the Scottish pianist Christopher Guild. … That Stevenson was a great transcriber is abundantly demonstrated no only in Rory Dall Morrison’s Harp Book, but also in Hebridean Seascape, which reimagines the slow movement of Frank Merrick’s Second Piano Concerto, a colouristic tour de force, vibrantly brought to life by Guild.’
—Harriet Smith, The Gramophone
Planet Hugill :
‘There is much to enjoy on this disc, and Guild is adept at both the children’s pieces and the more virtuoso passages. The disc is part of an opening up of Stevenson’s repertoire on CD, and will certainly be welcome to lovers of Stevenson’s music (four of the works on the disc are first recordings).’
—Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill
MusicWeb International :
‘Christopher Guild is the expert exponent and his booklet notes show a particularly perceptive awareness of Stevenson’s writing and influences. With a well-judged concert hall acoustic this is another fine addition to the ever-expanding Stevenson discography.’
—Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb International