Ronald Stevenson (1928-2015)
Piano Music Volume 7: Folksong with Grainger
Christopher Guild (piano)
Marcel Zidani (piano)
rec. 2023, Wyastone Hall, Monmouthshire, UK
Toccata Classics TOCC0748 [74]

The Toccata Web page for this disc says that Percy Grainger and Ronald Stevenson, “both composer-pianists of the Golden Age of keyboard virtuosity, shared a passion for folksong, especially the modal Celtic melodies from the fringes of the British Isles. Though the two never met, they corresponded for many years […]”. The seventh volume of Christopher Guild’s ongoing survey of Stevenson’s piano music “uncorks the exultant good humour that he and Grainger found on that common Celtic ground”. And there are a couple of pieces from slightly further afield.

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, Percy Grainger’s passacaglia based on a folk song popular in England, Ireland and the Appalachian Mountains. Grainger noted: “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 no surprise that Ronald Stevenson decided to transcribe it for piano solo. The original theme, heard some thirty-six times (I did not count), is supported by countermelodies. Boredom is avoided by an ongoing suspense of building up to a vibrant peroration, Bolero-like. Christopher Guild correctly thinks 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 is Stevenson’s original arrangement. Initially conceived for solo piano, it was reworked as a piano duet; he published both versions. The songs he chose all reflect tragic but brave love, and exhibit the spirit of Percy Grainger. The liner notes give a précis of each ballad, to help us understand. 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,arrangements for duet of two of five pieces originally for solo piano, the Chinese Folk-Song Suite from 1965. This is not cod-oriental such as Albert Ketèlbey would have devised; there is no doubt that this music hails from China. The Song for New Year’s Day has onomatopoeic gongs and tam-tams in the background. The Song of the Crab-fisher, quite energetic, captures the mood of a fish market, as seen through Western eyes.

The liner notes explain that of the Manx Melodies only one appears to be extant: Mannin Veen [Dear Mona]. It 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, 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.

Percy Grainger transcribed the Skye Boat Song in 1900. To what extent Stevenson’s arrangement has tinkered with this piece, I do not know, but I agree with the booklet essay that this adaptation sounds very modern.

It could be argued that Ronald Stevenson’s The Young Person’s Solo Album is a “Boys Own” introduction to Percy Grainger’s Greatest Hits. Do glance at the track listing to see that well-known pieces are included, and several 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, but a few numbers would make ideal encores.

The Queen’s Maries is based on an old Scottish ballad of uncertain provenance. There is a convoluted story of who those Marys were, but it 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 these devoted companions experienced. This charming, reflective miniature 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, to use a Scots word, “stramash”. Stevenson, an honorary Scot, would have certainly known that the word’s 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 that can be read into this work. Several of Grainger’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. There is only one problem with identifying the melodies: 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 a 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. Marcel Zidani ably assists him as the second pianist in the Irish Folksong Suite, the Two Chinese Folksongs and the Jamboree for Grainger. The recording, clear and bright, adds value to this disc. 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 one the opportunity to witness two significant arrangers and transcribers at work.

John France

Buying this recording via a link below generates revenue for MWI, which helps the site remain free

Contents
Percy Grainger (1882–1961)
Green Bushes (1905-1906)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 (1985)
‘i. Mannin Veen’
Variation on ‘Coolun’ (in late 18th century style) (?)
The Poor Irish Boy (?) 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)