September 6, For everything that world-renowned classical guitarist Stephen Robinson has accomplished โ and that list is quite impressive โ teaching for 30 years at Stetson certainly is a feather in his cap.
But he might say his greatest joy in life was marrying a true partner to him, personally and professionally, who shares a very busy life that includes four sons, a recording career, guest lecturing, hosting workshops, teaching at Stetson and performing numerous concerts around the globe. A native of New York, Stephen began playing guitar when his parents took him to pick out an instrument for his ninth birthday. From that point on, I changed my focus on the guitar from rock to classical performance.
Stephen and Patrece met while they were both pursuing undergraduate degrees at Florida State University in the summer of and were married two years later. In his eighth studio album, Stephen Robinson presents a satisfying blend of both core classical guitar repertoire and less commonly recorded works.
Recognized throughout the musical community as both a virtuoso as well as an erudite pedagogue, Robinson offers a rich blend of dazzling technique, refined tone, and learned interpretations. The disc opens with a touching arrangement of John Lennon's "Imagine", which properly sets the mood for the entire recording, as well as leaving no doubts to the forward-thinking approach of the repertoire selections.
And while the album emphasizes memorable melodies and beautiful harmonies, do not underestimate its musical depth, or the mastery with which it's delivered by Robinson. Among the more well-known classical composers on the album we find the likes of Carlo Domeniconi, Lennox Berkeley, and John Duarte. Robinson navigates each work with a sense of both technical ease and with pleasing, natural interpretations. This disc is wonderful example of a mature, master of the instrument, looking to share the beauty of the classical guitar with as many people as possible.
