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British Music Society

‘Prevailing Winds’ is a two CD set presenting world première recordings of twenty-three woodwind miniatures by Robin Stevens (b. 1958). Stevens plays cello in four of his pieces as well as guitar in two numbers and piano in three items. The other eight performers are highly regarded professionals on their instruments.

Stevens divides his compositions into three categories, ‘lyrical songs without words, character pieces and more ambitious fledgling tone poems, with some overlap between these categories’.

The first and third works on the CDs represent the songs without words: ‘Oceanic Lullaby’ for oboe and piano and ‘Sicilienne for Gillian’ clarinet and piano. Both have instant melodic appeal. ‘Three Epigrams’ for bassoon and piano or ‘Waltz for Pierrot’ for solo bassoon are character pieces, more edgy, exploring the particular sound qualities of the instruments for which they are composed.

More fascinating are the two versions of ‘Concert Rondo’ descant recorder and piano on the first CD and oboe and piano on the second. The same music certainly, but quite remarkable in the differences of their impact.

There are two pieces, both for French Horn and piano, both inspired by meditations on the First World War ‘A Soldier’s Prayer’ (first CD) and ‘Grief’s Portrait’ (Second CD). These are really evocative tone poems.

Some of the pieces are as astonishing as they are attractive, ‘O Brave New World’ for flute and cello has the cello fulfil its partnership with the flute in a credible role as accompanist. The lively opening number on the second CD ‘Suite Ecossaise – Jig’ for descant recorder and guitar contrasts hauntingly with ‘Suite Ecossaise – Berceuse’ for flute and guitar, both very agreeable pieces.

We read that Stevens “Particularly relishes the challenge of writing for ‘Cinderella’ instruments and ensembles”. This comes across in his fine pieces for recorders including ‘Contemplation’ for bass recorder and cello, well married together, or in ‘Pandora’s Box’ for recorders (including at one point the tiny garklein) along with bassoon and cello.

This hugely revelatory parade of woodwind instruments culminates with ‘Sweet Soufflé’, a celebration of orchestral woodwinds, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn all playing merrily together.