News

The Marian Consort director, Rory McCleery shares with us the story behind group, the process of commissioning new premieres and the discovery of little-known gems such as Stephen Dodgson's Dormi Jesu which feature on their new recording 'Music for the Queen of Heaven'.

On 3rd November, an audience gathered full of anticipation at St James's church, Piccadilly, for the launch concert of the latest recording of Stephen Dodgson works: a complete recording of his guitar chamber works performed by the Mēla Guitar Quartet and friends.

"The performances by the Tippett Quartet and the nimble-fingered Emma Abbate in the Piano Quintets and Susan Monks as the additional cellist in the String Quintet are a model of chamber ensemble playing. Their understanding is palpable and the ensemble flawless, the effect one of total refinement—just like Dodgson’s music. The sound is superb, the recordings having been made in the church of St Silas the Martyr in Kentish Town. A truly wonderful disc and another winner from Toccata Classics."

"I was introduced to the music of Stephen Dodgson through the wonderful series of discs that present his string quartets that appeared on Dutton. Since then I have explored a little deeper into his output and enjoyed everything that I have heard. This present disc gives examples of his chamber music that includes guitar and various instruments - he was known for composing for strange combinations of instruments as some of the works on this disc clearly demonstrate."

Conductor, keyboard player and director of Sounds Baroque Julian Perkins shares with us his experience of giving a performance, including several works by Stephen Dodgson, at a particularly unusual venue at the Swaledale Festival.

We are delighted to announce that the Dodgson Quintets CD has been announced as one of MusicWeb International's recordings of the year. The recording comprises three quintets (his two piano quartets and his string quintet) performed by the Tippett Quartet, Emma Abbate (piano) and Susan Monks (cello).

"Refinement is the best word to describe these first-class performances by the Tippett Quartet, joined by the nimble-fingered Emma Abbate in the Piano Quintets and Susan Monks as the additional cellist in the String Quintet; a model of chamber ensemble playing. With superb sound, this is as marvellous a disc as the Matthews Piano Trios I reviewed two months ago."

We’re delighted to announce the release of a new recording of Stephen Dodgson oboe chamber works performed by James Turnbull (oboe), Libby Burgess (piano) and a number of other talented artists.