Stevens: Orchestral Music Vol. 1

The compositional career of Robin Stevens, born in Wales in 1958 and based in Manchester, can be divided into two phases separated by a period of illness. In the first phase, he composed primarily chamber music and works for the church where he was employed. After his recovery, he developed a preference for larger forms and wrote three extensive concertos and a number of other orchestral works – all of which have now been recorded. This first album presents his substantial bassoon concerto alongside three shorter works, each demonstrating how his mastery of orchestral tone colours and melodic lines can suggest landscapes and narratives. Particularly in the slow movement of the concerto, there are passages of profound emotional depth and intensity, but Stevens also possesses a healthy sense of humour, which often emerges unexpectedly and enlivens his music. Paul Mann conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The soloists are horn players Christopher Gough and Martin Murphy, as well as bassoonist Adam Mackenzie. Mackenzie is the Principal Bassoonist of Opera North in Leeds, England, but is also an active chamber musician, for instance with the ensemble Chamber Domaine.