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.
We’re delighted to announce the release of a new recording of Stephen Dodgson String Trios nos. 1 and 2 alongside his Violin Sonatina, Caprice after Puck and Cello Partita performed by the eminent UK ensemble Karolos.
Karolos perform an exciting, varied programme: Dodgson’s ‘Echoes of Autumn’ (viola and guitar) and gems including their own arrangement of Vivaldi’s guitar concerto and tangos by Argentinian composer Piazzolla. Buy tickets>
Thursday 9th May – Royal Academy of Music (David Josefowitz Recital Hall) 5.30pm book launch | 7.30pm concert The Royal Academy of Music celebrates the unique contribution to the classical guitar repertoire made by Stephen Dodgson, in his centenary year, with an evening of events comprising: roundtable discussion book launch concert of varied Dodgson guitar chamber works 5.30pm A roundtable discussion, led by Michael Lewin, Head of Guitar, and Stephen Goss, focusing on Dodgson’s long association with the Academy. This will be followed by the launch of the book Born by the Thames: Stephen Dodgson – A Centenary Celebration, edited by Oliver Chandler and Thomas Hyde (de la Porte Publishing, 2024).[...]
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[...]