STEPHEN DODGSON (1924-2013): String Trio No. 1, Sonatina for Solo Violin in B Minor, Caprice after Puck for Solo Viola, Partita for Solo Cello (all First Recordings), String Trio No. 2.

Description: In his writing for strings, Dodgson revealed an abiding love of early music through his perceptive use of ornamentation, virtuoso displays and enthusiasm for variation form. Both trios reflect these elements and their slow movements- hymnal in the earlier work, valedictory in the later- are especially beautiful. The Sonatina is simultaneously a tribute to Bach and a statement of Dodgson’s own musical identity, while the very different Caprice after Puck offers a complex exploration of the hobgoblin’s sinister pranks. Karolos.