Len Stevens (composer)
Herbert Leonard Stevens (died 1989) known as Len Stevens, was a British composer, specializing in light music but producing works in many other categories. Among the best-known pieces he composed were News Scoop (used from 1958 until 1971 as the original theme tune to Grandstand on BBC television)[1] and Easy Street, which appeared on the Chappell Recorded Music label.[2] Stevens learned his trade in the pre-war British dance bands, and was employed as an orchestrator and theatre musician, while contributing original compositions to several recorded music libraries (including Chappell, Francis, Day and Hunter, Josef Weinberger and KPM).[3]
The orchestral piece Avalanche (1948) is a musical interpretation of an avalanche from its dramatic beginning through a frantic centre piece to its quiet aftermath.[4] Other titles by Stevens include Caribbean Caprice, Clear Night, High Cloud, Holiday on Ice, La Madrilena, Lido Fashion Parade, Madame in Mayfair, Mountain Rally and Stampede.[5] His music was often performed by Sidney Torch and his Orchestra.[6]
External links[edit]
- Len Stevens at IMDb
- Easy Street introduces the short educational film The Daily Round: The Story of Milk Production and Distribution (1954), British Film Institute
- News Reel, KPM Music
References[edit]
- ^ Adrian Kerridge. Tape's Rolling Take One (2021)
- ^ Easy Street, The Melody Light Orchestra, conducted by Ole Jensen (aka Robert Farnon), C490B (1954/55)
- ^ Biography, Robert Farnon Society
- ^ Avalanche. New Century Orchestra/Len Stevens - Francis Day and Hunter Recorded Music Library, FDH 048 (1948)
- ^ Scowcroft, Philip. Twenty First Garland of British Light Music Composers
- ^ 'Len Stevens', at Guild Music
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