Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1916

Death

:

1983

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Bernard Stevens was a British composer who was born on 10th June 1916 in London. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist. Stevens showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the violin and the cello. Stevens attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition with Ralph Vaughan Williams and conducting with Adrian Boult. He also studied with the composer and conductor Gustav Holst. Stevens was a talented student and won several awards for his compositions. After completing his studies, Stevens worked as a freelance composer and conductor. He composed music for films, radio, and television. He also conducted orchestras and choirs. In 1947, he was appointed as the conductor of the London Philharmonic Choir. Stevens' music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of folk music. He was influenced by the music of Vaughan Williams and Holst, as well as by the English folk music tradition. His music is often described as pastoral and evocative of the English countryside. One of Stevens' most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1947. The symphony is in three movements and is scored for a large orchestra. The first movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is characterized by its sweeping melodies and lush harmonies. The second movement is a slow and introspective "Adagio," while the third movement is a lively "Allegro con brio." Another notable work by Stevens is his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, which was composed in 1952. The concerto is in three movements and is scored for solo violin and a large orchestra. The first movement is marked "Allegro moderato" and is characterized by its virtuosic violin writing. The second movement is a slow and lyrical "Adagio," while the third movement is a lively "Allegro con brio." Stevens also composed several works for choir, including his Requiem, which was composed in 1965. The Requiem is scored for choir and orchestra and is a setting of the Latin Mass for the Dead. The work is characterized by its haunting melodies and rich harmonies. In addition to his compositions, Stevens was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was also a visiting professor at several universities in the United States. Stevens received several awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1975 and was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in 1980. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities. Bernard Stevens died on 3rd September 1983 in London. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and evocative music that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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