For details of the composer’s life and times, see the biography published on the Ronald Stevenson Society Website.
The album gets off to a flying start with Green Bushes, a passacaglia written by Percy Grainger, based on a folk song popular in England, Ireland, and the Appalachian Mountains. Grainger noted that "My Passacaglia was composed for small orchestra in 1905-1906, re-scored in January 1921, for 22 single instruments or orchestra, in 1919 I arranged it for 2 pianos, 6 hands.” So, it is not surprising that in 1963 Ronald Stevenson decided to transcribe it for piano solo. The original theme is heard some thirty-six times (I did not count them) and is supported by counter melodies. Boredom is avoided by an ongoing suspense of building up to a vibrant peroration, Bolero like. Christoper Guild is correct in thinking that this “is one of the best kept secrets of Ronald Stevenson’s oeuvre. Here’s hoping pianists will take up its cause in concert…”
The Irish Folksong Suite (1965) is an original Stevenson arrangement. It was initially conceived for solo piano but was reworked as a piano duet. Both versions have been published. The songs chosen all reflect tragic, but brave love. Each exhibit the spirit of Percy Grainger. The liner notes give a précis of each ballad, to help the listener’s understanding. Unsurprisingly, they are all touched with melancholy but are always quite lovely.
Away from the Celtic Twilight, Guild has included Stevenson’s Two Chinese Folksongs (1966) which are arrangements for duet of two of five pieces originally for solo piano, the Chinese Folk-Song Suite (1965). This is not cod-oriental such as Albert Ketèlbey would have devised, but there is no doubt that this music hails from China. The first, the Song for New Year’s Day, has onomatopoeic gongs and tam-tams in the background, whilst the Song of the Crab-fisher is quite energetic and captures the mood of a fish market, as seen through Western eyes.
The liner notes explain that of the Manx Melodies (1985) only one appears to be extant. Mannin Veen (Dear Mona) is a perfectly formed little number, sadly over all too soon.
The Variation on ‘Coolun’ (in late 18th century style) was originally conceived for harp. It may have been written for Stevenson’s daughter who was an accomplished player of the clarsach, the Celtic Harp.
It was George Frideric Handel who jotted down the tune to The Poor Irish Boy when he was staying in Dublin in 1742. Stevenson has provided a sympathetic harmonisation for this short, but quite beautiful setting.
The Skye Boat Song was originally transcribed by Percy Grainger in 1900 and was arranged by Stevenson in 1983. To what extent he has tinkered with this piece, I do not know, but I agree with the booklet essay that this is a very modern sounding adaptation.
It could be argued that Ronald Stevenson’s The Young Person’s Solo Album (1966) provides a “Boys Own” introduction to Percy Grainger’s Greatest Hits. A glance at the track listing below, will reveal that well known pieces are included. And there are several that are not so popular. What Stevenson has done to these tunes is quite remarkable. He has made “simplified arrangements,” “abridged versions,” included Grainger’s own “Easy arrangements[!],” “edited numbers” and one…that is “freely set for piano.” Most of them are noticeably short. I feel that at a recital, the entire Album should be played in order, however one or two of them would make ideal encores.
The Queen’s Maries is based on an old Scottish ballad of uncertain provenance. The history of who these Marys were is convoluted but would appear to refer to Mary Queen of Scots’ ladies in waiting, who were all called by that forename. The ballad's narrative centres around the love, loyalty, and ultimate sorrow experienced by these devoted companions. It is a charming, reflective miniature that moves from a straightforward evocation of the melody to a Busoni-like conclusion – all in under three minutes.
The final track on this rewarding album is Jamboree for Grainger, for two pianos. The liner notes describe it as a “pot-pourri” or using a Scots word “stramash.” Honorary Scot Ronald Stevenson would have certainly known what this latter word meant. Its primary definition is “An uproar, commotion or row.” It can also be construed as “a state of great excitement” or something being “smashed or shattered.” All these meanings can be read into this work. Several of PG’s best-known tunes are crushed together in a riot of sound. Listen out for the inevitable Country Gardens, then Molly on the Shore and Over the Hills and Far Away. Softer moments appear with To a Nordic Princess and The Only Son. The only problem with identifying the melodies, is that Stevenson mixes them up, plays two, three and four off against each other and recaps them in short order. And then there is a passage of Stevenson’s own which he declared was “suggested by Grainger’s vigorous style.” Jamboree was completed in 1960, the year before Grainger’s death.
This is a remarkable addition to Ronald Stevenson’s discography. Two great composers, innovators and larger than life characters meet in this thoroughly enjoyable repertoire. Christopher Guild brings a huge enthusiasm and sympathy for this music. He is ably assisted by Marcel Zidani as the second pianist in the Irish Folksong Suite, the Two Chinese Folksongs, and the Jamboree for Grainger. The quality of the recording is clear and bright, bringing added value to this CD. The booklet once again is a masterclass of analysis, history, and description.
For all Percy Grainger enthusiasts, and for the (hopefully) growing numbers of Ronald Stevenson fans, this is an essential purchase. It allows the listener the opportunity to witness two significant arrangers and transcribers at work.
Track Listing:Percy Grainger (1882–1961)
Green Bushes (1905-6) arr. Ronald Stevenson (1928-2015) (1963)
Ronald Stevenson
Irish Folksong Suite (1965): I. The Mantle so Green: II. Luvlie Willie; III. Grá geal mo chroi; IV. Mary from Dungloe
Two Chinese Folk Songs (1966): No. 1, Song for New Year’s Day; No. 2, Song of the Crab-fisher
Manx Melodies: ‘i. Mannin Veen’ (1985)
Variation on ‘Coolun’ (in late 18th century style) (Date unknown)
The Poor Irish Boy (Date unknown)
Transcr. Percy Grainger
Skye Boat Song (1900) arr. Ronald Stevenson (1983)
Percy Grainger/ Ronald Stevenson
The Young Person’s Solo Album (1966): No.1, Country Gardens; No.2, Shepherd’s Hey; No.3, Molly on the Shore; No.4, Mock Morris; No.5, Beautiful Fresh Flower; No.6, Australian Up-Country Song; No.7, Irish Tune from County Derry; No.8, Walking Tune; No.9, Hill-Song; No.10, To a Nordic Princess (Bridal Song); No.11, One More Day, My John; No.12, Spoon River; No.13, Blithe Bells; No.14, Children’s March “Over the Hills and Far Away”; No.15, Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
Ronald Stevenson
The Queen’s Maries (1967, rev.1975 and 2005)
Jamboree for Grainger for two pianos (1960)
Christopher Guild (piano), Marcel Zidani (piano)
rec. 24 February and 2 April 2023, Wyastone Hall, Monmouthshire, UK
Toccata Classics TOCC 0748
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