Music
Bach & Chindamo: The New Goldberg Variations
When you start listening to this recording, make sure that ambient noises are at a minimum. The first few notes on this sublime reinterpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations will sweep you away into a world of tonal delight. Joe Chindamo…
Handel: Duetti e Terzetti Italiana
Although German-born, some consider Handel quintessentially English, thanks to the renown of his oratorios. In fact, he was as German as he was English as he was Italian, such was his extraordinary ability to set each language as if it…
Poulenc: Piano Concertos
Unlike any other, French pianist and composer Francis Poulenc possessed the ability to seamlessly weave both farce and sincerity into a single piece of music. As a member of the group of composers known as Les Six, Poulenc was greatly…
Vivaldi by Fabio Biondi & Europa Galante
Sometimes music stops you in your tracks. The sound is so beautiful that you forget about the books you should be shelving and you just listen. That was my experience when I heard Fabio Biondi’s recording of Vivaldi’s ‘Farewell Concertos’…
New Seasons by Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica
‘We often look at the scores of contemporary music with some scepticism. Many people (including musicians) are already turned off by the word “contemporary”. They associate it with something purely “intellectual” regarding it as music to be “understood” because of…
Nashville Obsolete by Dave Rawlings Machine
Upon first listen, Nashville Obsolete gives the impression of a simpler, stripped back version of the duo. Listen again. Rich, layered rhythms are punctuated by lush string arrangements that highlight the sheer beauty and majesty of the seven cuts on…
Intimate voices: Sibelius String Quartets by Flinders Quartet
Everyone knows Sibelius’s orchestral works – even if you don’t think you do, you’ve probably heard his enormously famous Finlandia at least once – which are stirring and sublime in character. I was delighted to discover that his string quartets…
Island Songs by Amy Dickson & Sydney Symphony Orchestra
I’ve noticed over the years that saxophonist Amy Dickson has become a true champion of contemporary classical music. Often presenting modern music in a way that is accessible to everyone, she also excels at the technical and musical challenges this…
The Gospel Album by Gurrumul
The Gospel Album is the third proper solo album from the Elcho Island-based Indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Gurrumul’s self-titled album from 2008 was a surprise breakthrough and one of the outstanding success stories of the modern era in Australian…
Adolphe Adam: Giselle by Nicolette Fraillon & Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
The ballet Giselle was written over 170 years ago but is still one of the most popular ballets to be performed around the world. Often seen here in Australia, the magic of a prince in disguise, broken hearts and the…
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