December 2018 – Steven Devine

24th December 2018

“the expressivity of which the harpsichord is capable when handled by a true master of its sounds”

A lovely review on the Voix des Arts blog for the Mozartists’ latest release of “Mozart in London“.

The extremely detailed review focuses on all the music and performances of the many wonderful musicians and singers on these discs and has thsi to say:

” The Mozartists’ keyboardist Steven Devine finds much to stimulate but nothing to overextend his abilities in Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in D major (Op. 1, No. 6). He dispatches Bach’s spirited writing in the outer Allegro assai and Allegro moderato movements with abundant virtuosity, but it is his playing of the central Andante that dazzles, the nobility of his phrasing reminding the listener of the expressivity of which the harpsichord is capable when handled by a true master of its sounds. “

Available direct from the Classical Opera/Mozartists website.

20th December 2018

4* review for OAE Christmas Oratorio

The Guardian newspaper has printed a great review of the recent performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (parts 1, 2, 3 & 6) given by the OAE, directed by Steven, in St George’s, Bristol.

New release: Delicatessen II with Kate Semmens

Now available directly from this site! Post free in UK.

After the preparation, recording and success of Delicatessen (DMCD001), Steven and Kate Semmens were keen to delve further into the English song repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries, again driven by composers who set texts so beautifully. They have been careful to stay true to songs written specifically for the combination of voice and keyboard (rather than arrangements of orchestral accompaniments) thereby presenting a programme which becomes domestic in nature. In the previous recording, it was the cantata of John Stanley, usually known for his keyboard works, which provided one of the high points: in the present recording, two further cantatas feature, showing Stanley to be as witty as he is sensitive to the text. Thomas Arne and William Boyce again feature with presentations of lesser-known work. A new discovery for the performers has been the work of William Jackson of Exeter and two songs for voice and obbligato keyboard are presented here. Many of the items are obscure but all are charming and present an interesting glimpse into another social world.