To discuss music with Stephen Dodgson was to follow an incomparably rich trail of knowledge and ideas. And many memories of him have been rekindled by reading this excellent book. It is beautifully produced and reasonably priced. It is a worthy celebration of its subject, a fine composer and erudite musician who was also a thoroughly nice man.
Sonoro choir, conducted by Neil Ferris, celebrates the memory of Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013) with a selection of works which, without revolutionising the genre, attest to the composer's attachment to British poetry, such as the dazzling Canticle of the Sun. This colourful lively ensemble, with generous warmth of expression, finds the nocturnal atmosphere of the Poems of Mary Coleridge, woven together under the breath of a meandering flute.
Sonoro sings with precision and produces a vibrant and sumptuous sound. Singers from the choir are well equipped to take solo parts. Dodgson's choice of texts is keen. His compositional style seems to resist categorization. This is a very well performed and recorded album.
A first-rate volume, carefully crafted to appeal to both the average music-lover and the professional seeking more detailed information, this immediately becomes the definitive handbook on its subject. For a volume of this size and extremely modest price, there is an especially generous provision of colour plates – all excellently reproduced – together with other illustrations, photographs and music examples. This is an essential purchase and should win the composer many friends.
Stephen Dodgson's was always elegantly crafted and often quietly memorable, too, usually in a broadly tonal language but always sounding fresh. Such is assuredly the case with a generously fill disc of Dodgson’s piano works. Osman Tack is a thoughtful pianist and he allows Dodgson’s music to unfold naturally, giving it time to breathe and never forcing the pace – exemplary performances and very well recorded.
A very accomplished and enjoyable album. Dodgson's deft, beautiful scores stand the test of time. Sonoro are on marvellously pliant and virtuosic form. Performed with real commitment throughout, this is altogether a commendable selection that shines a welcome light on Dodgson’s appealing and engaging music.
The Magnard Ensemble and a cast of soloists perform Stephen Dodgson’s short chamber opera Cadilly alongside his Sonata for Wind Quintet at Conway Hall. Cadilly, based on one of the Tales from the Fens by W. H. Barrett, tells the story of a beautiful woman and ‘willing maid’ who is loved by the scholars, their tutors and the townsmen alike but jailed for ‘immoral behaviour’! A vibrant and comic piece. Programme Dodgson – Sonata Gipps – The Lady of the Lambs Vaughan Williams – Ten Blake Songs for Soprano and Oboe Arnold – Three Shanties Dodgson – Cadilly Pre-concert talk – 5.30pm Concert – 6.30pm Tickets will be available via[...]
The Outcry Ensemble and English Voices perform Stephen Dodgson’s full-scale upper-voice Hymn Harmony at St John’s Smith Square alongside other works by Gibbons, Vaughan Williams and Coleridge-Taylor. The evening constitutes the final concert of their ‘Music for a Great City’ series, which explores the essence of a city as portrayed through its music, its history, its people and their perpetual sense of spirit through a rich variety of pieces. Directed by James Henshaw and comprised of young, exceptionally skilled professionals poised to become the next generation of global orchestral leaders, The Outcry Ensemble brings together vibrant energy and captivating performances. Their repertoire programming[...]
The much admired wind group the Magnard Ensemble return to Luton with a programme particularly featuring Stephen Dodgson’s Promenade No.2. Richard Sisson (Chair of Luton Music): ‘Stephen was for many years associated with Luton Music, generously giving his time to serve as a Vice-president. 2024 is the centenary of his birth and it is an honour to programme this fine piece in his memory.’ Programme Sergei Rachmaninov (arr. McDermid) – Prelude in E flat Major Op 23 No.6 Martin Butler – Down-Hollow Winds Stephen Dodgson – Promenade No.2 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (arr. Shiner) – Rondo in A minor K511 Samuel Barber – Summer[...]