Westlake Glass Soldier

Music from the August 2007 Melbourne Theatre Company's production. Based on a true story, Hannie Rayson's play The Glass Soldier is a deep, sincere tribute to two generations of Australians that had little, but gave everything. The music for the play is performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Louis Forestier. Magnificent trumpeter Geoffrey Payne is featured in other tracks. This rich and vibrant music, featuring the world premiere recording of The Glass Soldier Suite composed by Nigel Westlake, exhibits the wonder, tragedy, love and resolution of WW1 stretcher bearer, NH Ferguson. Nigel Westlake's considerable music score is typical of the composer's output, with quotes from familiar melodies tinged with the sonorities of American pastoralism. It's written like a film score, and used that way too, pushing the audience's emotions this way and that in crucial scenes.