Announcing the new release of the second instalment of the Toccata recordings of Stephen Dodgson's music for winds, performed by the Magnard Ensemble, combining Dodgson's sense of fun and an occasional spiky vivacity with hints of Baroque formality but also a particularly English strain of lyricism.
We are delighted to announce the new video recordings – a joint venture by the Cherubim Trust and Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust – of Stephen Dodgson’s Cello Partita and his Duo for Cello and Guitar. Both videos were especially recorded in the late composer’s house. Do enjoy and share the recordings below! Cello Partita Duo for Cello and Guitar No related posts.
It was a memorable and hugely enjoyable evening and, perhaps, the first of many new performances of this fine work by a fine composer and musician. There was without exception very fine singing and playing... and the audience’s reception was of uninhibited enthusiasm.
An excellent disc in which the three piano trios are the stars, the performance of these works by the Bernard Roberts Piano Trio is all that you could wish for, with a strong sense of ensemble playing throughout leading to wonderful performances... and the Music for Winds a splendid disc, one which is expertly performed throughout by the Magnard Ensemble.
This is a fine companion disc to volume one, one which provides further proof that Stephen Dodgson was an accomplished composer for the piano, whilst the playing of Bernard Roberts is excellent once again.... Another wonderful disc that all fans of the music of Dodgson will want
The music on these two discs conveys a spirit of grown-up charm, clarity, bell timbres, catchy rhythmic cells and gamelan fertility... On the technical side we get first class piano sound. The project is lifted by the great artistry of Bernard Roberts – excellent both in the articulation of much dazzling fast music and in probing the poignant heart of the more reflective sections.
It feels incredibly special to have had this concerto written for me. It actually also turned out to be Stephen’s last composition, and so it is even more of an honour to be the recipient and to have had the chance to work on it with him. I have since gone on to perform various other new works, but this concerto will always be my most treasured commission.
Bernard Roberts' playing is excellent throughout especially in the way that he can articulate the differing passages and intensities within a single movement... I found this disc to be rewarding and a fine addition to my growing catalogue of Stephen Dodgson discs... These works have for far too long been hidden in the shadows of his works for guitar... A worthy investment for anyone interested in twentieth century piano music in general and the music of Stephen Dodgson in particular.
The LFCCM commemorates Stephen Dodgson’s centenary with a concert that features several Dodgson sacred choral works alongside works by established and up-and-coming contemporary composers. All performed by a crack team selected from among London’s finest choral singers directed by Alastair Carey. Tickets will be available nearer the time from the LFCCM website.
Tenor James Gilchrist and guitarist Mark Eden will be performing a selection of Stephen Dodgson guitar songs at St Mary’s Church in Arkengarthdale at 4pm on Wednesday 29 May 2024 as part of the Swaledale Festival. The programme will also include music by Dowland, Schubert and Alec Roth. James Gilchrist is a leading interpreter of Oratorio and Song, especially the German and English repertoire. He is internationally renowned as one of the evangelists in Bach’s passions and oratorios and maintains an ongoing interest in older music, regularly performing as a soloist with viol consorts, lutenists and period pianos. Mark Eden is better known as one[...]
The Magnard Ensemble and a cast of soloists perform Stephen Dodgson’s short chamber opera Cadilly alongside his Gipsy Songs 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[...]