1916-1983
Bernard Stevens was one of the finest composers of his generation. As a student at the Royal College of Music, London, he won the foremost prizes in composition. At the end of World War II, he won the highly contested 'Daily Express Victory Symphony' Competition with his, Symphony of Liberation, composed during his army service and first performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1946. (An extract from A Symphony of Liberation played by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richard Hickox can be heard by clicking on the title below.) He composed in every major genre: orchestral, oratorio, opera as well as solo and chamber works. A highly valued professor with an international reputation, he was, however, a reluctant promoter of his own works. Since his death in 1983, his catalogue of works has been attracting growing admiration for their power, accessibility, beauty and consummate musicianship, gaining them an increasing following. The listed CDs have received many laudatory reviews. The publication in hardback of the illuminating volume, Bernard Stevens and His Music - a Symposium (pub. Kahn and Averill, London) has contributed to a re-evaluation of his work.
Web: http://www.impulse-music.co.uk/stevens.htm