3 Review(s)

This volume marks the centenary of British composer Stephen Dodgson (1924-2013), whose long, distinguished and multi-faceted career produced many highly distinctive works in a voice that could be both playful and deeply evocative. An approachable, thoughtful book for the musician and curious layperson alike, it brings together interviews and specially commissioned articles on Dodgson's musical output as well as a selection of the composer's own warmly erudite writings and broadcasts. These sit alongside personal reflections and anecdotes from his friends and family, providing a rounded picture of Stephen Dodgson, the musician and the man. With a wide variety of his work, from opera to chamber music, now available on recordings, this book is a consolidation of Stephen Dodgson's importance as a fixture in British music, both in the post-war period and today.