News

Announcing the new release of the second instalment of the Toccata recordings of Stephen Dodgson's music for winds, performed by the Magnard Ensemble, combining Dodgson's sense of fun and an occasional spiky vivacity with hints of Baroque formality but also a particularly English strain of lyricism.

We are delighted to announce the new video recordings – a joint venture by the Cherubim Trust and Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust – of Stephen Dodgson’s Cello Partita and his Duo for Cello and Guitar. Both videos were especially recorded in the late composer’s house. Do enjoy and share the recordings below! Cello Partita Duo for Cello and Guitar

It was a memorable and hugely enjoyable evening and, perhaps, the first of many new performances of this fine work by a fine composer and musician. There was without exception very fine singing and playing... and the audience’s reception was of uninhibited enthusiasm.

An excellent disc in which the three piano trios are the stars, the performance of these works by the Bernard Roberts Piano Trio is all that you could wish for, with a strong sense of ensemble playing throughout leading to wonderful performances... and the Music for Winds a splendid disc, one which is expertly performed throughout by the Magnard Ensemble.

Announcing the reissue of Stephen Dodgson's Piano Trios, recorded by the late Bernard Roberts in close collaboration with the composer.

This is a fine companion disc to volume one, one which provides further proof that Stephen Dodgson was an accomplished composer for the piano, whilst the playing of Bernard Roberts is excellent once again.... Another wonderful disc that all fans of the music of Dodgson will want

The music on these two discs conveys a spirit of grown-up charm, clarity, bell timbres, catchy rhythmic cells and gamelan fertility... On the technical side we get first class piano sound. The project is lifted by the great artistry of Bernard Roberts – excellent both in the articulation of much dazzling fast music and in probing the poignant heart of the more reflective sections.

It feels incredibly special to have had this concerto written for me. It actually also turned out to be Stephen’s last composition, and so it is even more of an honour to be the recipient and to have had the chance to work on it with him. I have since gone on to perform various other new works, but this concerto will always be my most treasured commission.

Bernard Roberts' playing is excellent throughout especially in the way that he can articulate the differing passages and intensities within a single movement... I found this disc to be rewarding and a fine addition to my growing catalogue of Stephen Dodgson discs... These works have for far too long been hidden in the shadows of his works for guitar... A worthy investment for anyone interested in twentieth century piano music in general and the music of Stephen Dodgson in particular.