Dodgson's later work is long-breathed and convincingly explores material, ending in a poignant and moving epilogue. The earlier work is strikingly avuncular and athletic, with an expressive near-ten-minute hymnal slow movement that includes repeated syncopations. This, and the nonchalant, almost whimsical end of the work makes it a most listenable piece. Dodgson’s control of structural integrity in the Partita for solo cello is powerful and impressive.
The vocal parts are on the atonal scale but accomplished brilliantly by Robyn Allegra Parton. The oboe and piano accompaniments, more atmospheric than atonal in their impact, add a marvellous patina of colour to the pictures painted by the words. The effect in voice and instruments is magical. The Sonata for Oboe and Piano brings invigorating freshness. With fine performances by James Turnbull and Libby Burgess.
It was a joy to get to know Stephen's piece Idyll, during the recent Chamber Players week. The music was delicate, with a continuous gentle pulse like a heartbeat throughout... The solo violin line soared above, with some gorgeous dissonances in the inner parts... The piece was beautiful, and just perfect for the pupils on the course.
These pieces are recorded for the first time, surprisingly, for they are notably rewarding. It’s a handsome collection, very well captured, vivid and immediate, tonally faithful. Very well-played as the group Karolos, Harriet Mackenzie, Sarah-Jane Bradley and Graham Walker also shine individually.
The Second Trio immediately grabs your attention with its innovative textures, the whole work worthy of a place among the finest English chamber music scores... Sarah-Jane Bradley’s viola in Caprice after Puck makes for a gorgeous track... Superb sound quality.
Dodgson's chamber music is often astringent but always interesting. He echoed the baroque in his use of ornamentation, variation and intricate displays of virtuosity... expressively played here by Harriet Mackenzie... its exuberance brilliantly handled by Graham Walker. Sarah-Jane Bradley also impresses... – a virtuosic recital.
The vibrant and extremely talented young wind instrument ensemble Magnard Ensemble perform Stephen Dodgson’s Sonata for Wind Quintet along with music by Byrd, Mozart, Nielsen and Amy Beach, in an evening concert at the Swaledale Festival. Programme Shostakovich, Dmitri (arr. Shiner) – Prelude in F sharp major op. 87 no.13 Butler, Martin – Down-Hollow Winds Byrd, William (arr. McDermid) – Vigilate from Cantiones Sacrae 1589 Mozart, W.A. (arr. Shiner) – Rondo in A minor K511 Young, Toby – Variations on a Theme of Malcolm Arnold Dodgson, Stephen – Sonata for Wind Quintet Beach, Amy – Pastorale op. 151 Nielsen, Carl –[...]
Karolos perform Stephen Dodgson’s String Trio no. 2 at the Church Stretton Arts Festival. Every member of this dynamic, virtuoso chamber ensemble of classical guitar, violin, viola and ‘cello is an internationally-acclaimed artist. Renowned for the energy and vitality of their concerts as well as their extraordinary musicianship, they perform a broad repertoire ranging from Mozart classics to recent commissions. “a dynamic, virtuoso chamber collective of first-rate players.” Gramophone Magazine Programme Vivaldi – guitar concerto in D major (arranged for violin, viola, cello, guitar) Astor Piazzolla – Bordello Schubert – Quartet D96 for violin (originally flute), viola, guitar and cello Stephen Dodgson – String Trio[...]
Rory McLeery’s vocal ensemble performs a rich and varied programme of renaissance and contemporary works to reflect on Mary, who has been celebrated and venerated in Catholic motets and antiphons since the Middle Ages at the North Norfolk Music Festival. The highly distinguished vocal ensemble presents a programme of music by Ludford, Tallis, Parsons, Byrd, Britten, Panufnik, Dodgson, Weir and McDowall. Works range from the simple lullaby Dormi Jesu by Stephen Dodgson, miraculous cascades of sound by Tallis, Britten’s Hymn to the Virgin, Roxana Panufnik’s complex and emotional Magnificat and Judith Weir’s ebullient Ave Regina Caelorum. Pre-pandemic, the group both recorded[...]