Go Back >

 

An American John Rutter?

This is a recording devoted exclusively to the music of the young American composer Stephen Shewan. Shewan was born in Warsaw, New York in 1962. He is a graduate of Robert Wesleyan College and Ithaca College. He studied composition with Samuel Adler at the Eastman School of Music while pursuing his doctorate in music education. His is a fresh voice which Albany Records is pleased to bring to your attention. Shewan composes in an accessible idiom that should appeal to a broad audience.

Contents:

Stephen Shewan, composer
The Voice of the Lord in the Storm
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale, Robert Shewan, conductor


Stephen Shewan, composer
Magnificat
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale, Robert Shewan, conductor, Erin Stedman, soprano, Kimberly Higgins, alto, Robert Dingman, tenor, Alexander Burgess, baritone, Paul Shewan and Barbara Hull, trumpet, Nanita Wilson, horn, Scott Emmons, trombone, Kirk Ketting


Stephen Shewan, composer
A Feast of Carols
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale and Brass Ensemble, Robert Shewan, conductor, Jill Richardson, soprano, Anthony Burgess, baritone


Stephen Shewan, composer
Of Animals and Insects: A Musical Zoo, after Ogden Nash
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale and Wind Ensemble, Robert Shewan, conductor


Stephen Shewan, composer
The Widow's Lament in Springtime
Jill Richardson, soprano, Amy Anderson, oboe, Rebecca Patterson, cello, Stephen Shewan, piano


Stephen Shewan, composer
String Quartet No. 1
Ad Hoc String Quartet

Review:

"From my purely British perspective, I'm tempted to describe Stephen Shewan as a Stateside species of John Rutter. Even though the taxonomy isn't altogether fair to either composer, one needs only the briefest exposure to Shewan's music to discover that both certainly belong to the same genus - readily accessible, tuneful, and maintaining strongly populist appeal." (Fanfare)