Christopher Steel, late twentieth century composer, arguably one of the most outstanding British composers of his generation, is gaining increasingly more international recognition. Described in the New Grove's Dictionary of Music as a "fluent and resourceful composer", the popularity of his work is growing in momentum, with a substantial catalogue that includes sacred choral music ideal for church use, symphonies, large scale works, and smaller works used by the Associated Board and other organisations. His music has some parallels to Matthias, Walton, and Britten, yet has remained accessible to a broader audience, without any lack in artistic and aesthetic value. His music is available through a number of outlets in sheet form, and on CD, with work including sacred choral music featured in recordings by Durham Cathedral Choir, Wells Cathedral Choir, organ music with artists including Roger Fisher, and in the famous recently re-released "The King's Trumpeter", Crispian Steele-Perkins, internationally renowned trumpeter, and Stephen Cleobury, organist, and director of the world famous King's College Choir, Cambridge. Steel's "People Look East", an advent carol, recorded by Durham Cathedral for Priory Records and now available on their compilation of Christmas Carols, "A Feast Of Christmas Carols", is proving very popular, as is his choral anthem "Thou Art The Way", available on CD, and to purchase in sheet music form through the excellent compilation, "More Than Hymns". Steel's music has been performed across the world at such international events as The Three Choirs Festival, BBC1's "Songs of Praise" with the premiere of the anthem "The Morning Stars Sang Together" sung by Chester Cathedral, and played on radio stations including BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, and Classic FM. On March 21st 2009 his large scale work "Passion and Resurrection according to St. Mark" received its world premiere to critical acclaim performed at Tewkesbury Abbey by the Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Regency Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Jackson.
If you are looking for sacred choral anthems, late twentieth century symphonies, large scale choral masterpieces, advent and Christmas carols, small scale chamber and instrumental music, in a modern and accessible idiom to move and inspire you, then explore the exceptional musical canvas of Christopher Steel! Below, you can listen to his music, and find details of his biography, published sheet music, and CDs you can purchase online.
