Music
James Horner: Pas de Deux by Mari and Hakon Samuelsen
The first time I listened to the premiere recording of James Horner’s Pas de Deux, a double concerto for violin and cello, I was unaware of his recent and tragic death. I immediately enjoyed the music for its rich…
I Was Flying by Sally Whitwell
Sally Whitwell’s debut recording Mad Rush, featuring solo piano music by Philip Glass, was a rare treat. In a market full of Romantic piano recital discs – invariably performed by musicians of the European school – Whitwell’s all-Glass program…
If the Owl Calls Again by Christianne Stotijn
Christianne Stotijn’s voice is hauntingly beautiful. Her intimate singing may not immediately capture your attention, but if you stop to listen – really listen – you’ll surely be struck by her warm tone and nuanced delivery of poetry. The Dutch…
Universal Themes by Sun Kil Moon
2014 was quite the year for former Red House Painter Mark Kozelek. After quietly releasing the subdued masterpiece Benji in March, he later became involved in a very public spat and somewhat spiteful war of words with The War on…
Terry Riley: Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector by Kronos Quartet
No matter what music the Kronos Quartet decide to record, they always take my breath away with the strength of their technical prowess and their decisive musicality. When they choose to record the music of American composer Terry Riley though…
Vignettes by Emma Sholl and Jane Rosenson
A comment you often hear when talking about Australian classical music is: ‘Oh yes, but in Europe they do it so much better.’ From personal experience, however, I believe that is not true. Vignettes is proof that Australian musicians and…
Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé is not only his longest work but one of his most popular (in its Suite form). Often recorded and frequently performed even in Melbourne, most classical music enthusiasts are familiar with the Impressionistic work. I have…
Guerre & Paix: 1614–1714
Jordi Savall’s latest offering, Guerre & Paix: 1614–1714, recalls the bloody events of the century preceding the Siege of Barcelona. This is an impressive compilation: comprising two CDs and an almost 400-page booklet, each piece of music represents an…
The Traveling Kind by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
These long-time friends and musical cohorts have waited three years to follow their long-promised and award-winning duet project Old Yellow Moon. The Traveling Kind is another beautifully produced (Joe Henry) collection of country, folk and rock with blues, jazz…
Britten and Barber: Piano Concertos and Nocturnes by Elizabeth Joy Roe, LSO & Emil Tabakov
Elizabeth Joy Roe is a prodigiously talented pianist. Her playing is infused with vitality and passion, essential elements for a performance of Benjamin Britten’s only piano concerto, composed when he was 25 and a piece that ‘dashes along at full-speed’…
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