Ronald Stevenson, the composer, saw transcription and composition as the same thing, though this album features only his original compositions.
Performer Biography
Christopher Guild, the pianist on this album, is known for his work on piano music from Scotland and the British Isles, and has recorded nine albums for Toccata Classics.
Composition History
Stevenson composed the Chorale Prelude for Jean Sibelius while imprisoned at Wormwood Scrubs, sending the manuscript to 'Sibelius Finland' and receiving a thank you note.
Recording & Production
This recording was sponsored by the Ida Carroll Trust and Dr James Reid-Baxter.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stevenson's early work, though 'modern' for its time, was stylistically conservative, rooted in lyrical counterpoint and the human singing voice.
Compositional Technique
The three early Sonatinas by Ronald Stevenson, despite their name, are not small and light pieces, but show a 'trenchant statement' and 'no small ambition'.
Composer Biography
Ronald Stevenson was a conscientious objector to National Service after graduating in 1948, leading to his imprisonment and later work on a farm.
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