James M. Stephenson is largely self-taught as a composer and has earned the moniker 'The Concerto King' due to his extensive catalog of concertos and sonatas for nearly every instrument.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The subtitle 'Visions' for Stephenson's Third Symphony refers to the memories and imagined performance experiences that guided his composition process.
Composition History
Composer James M. Stephenson wrote his Third Symphony after approaching Thom Sleeper, then conductor at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, about writing a 'major work' for him.
Composer Biography
James M. Stephenson, the composer, began his career as a trumpet performer, playing for 17 seasons in the Naples Philharmonic before becoming a full-time composer.
Recording & Production
This world premiere recording of James M. Stephenson's Symphony No. 3 was made possible with the support of the Lake Forest Symphony, where Stephenson served as Composer-in-Residence for ten years.
Composition History
James M. Stephenson's Symphony No. 3, 'Visions,' was commissioned by the University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Compositional Technique
Stephenson's Symphony No. 3 is formally classical, exploring the four-movement symphony in its most usual form, with the opening E-minor 7th chord and flute duet being crucial harmonic and structural elements.
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