Search - Stephen Shewan, Leo Sowerby, Franz Anton Krager :: Parables of God and Man: Music of Stephen Shewan, Vol. 2

The New Randall Thompson

02/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The choral music of Stephen Shewan fills a void in American music today. The music is actually enjoyable to listen to, and the performance is top notch. "Elegy for Strings", although written in homage to Samuel Barber's "Adagio", is in his own distinct vocabulary and style. Enjoy!"

A diverse collection of beautiful music...

Laura A. Hurd | 01/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD soars from the first, interspersing lush choral tracks with equally evocative instrumental pieces. Shewan's writing has a rare emotional assurance that strengthens the music's spiritual import while allowing it to resonate with any listener. 'King David's Dance' paints especially vivid scenes from a familiar story, with its exciting rhythmic drive and creative instrumentation providing the base for this fascinating work. The CD as a whole pivots quickly from haunting passages to whirling melodies, catching up the listener and refusing to release him until long after the last note. I highly recommend this and Shewan's other CD's and keep my fingers crossed for more from this very talented composer!"

A major contemporary composer

John B. Kryder | Williamsville, New York USA | 08/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With what lyricism, what passionate skill, what heighth and depth and breadth of feeling and thought Shewan creates music! In his "Prodigal Son" Oratorio alone, one feels the power of creative and redemptive love as if experiencing it for the first time. In similar fashion, "King David's Dance" is exhilarating and the "Suite for Trumpet and Piano" uplifting. Shewan's major talent makes this disc an essential, constant source of joy."