I haven't had much time to contribute recently, but I've been listening to a lot of Australian classical music. Living in the USA, it's hard to keep up with the Aussie music scene, especially as not a lot is recorded or available through Idagio. But I thought I'd share some of the composers I find interesting.
I'll start with Betty Beath, who is now close to 90. One of my favourite works of hers is Lament for the Victims of War. As far as I can tell, it's only available on YouTube, where the music is coupled with original paintings by David Cox.
I probably should have kicked off this list with my favourite Australian contemporary composer: Ross Edwards. For me, he feels quintessentially Australian; I feel the expansiveness of the land in much of his work, as well as echoes of the birds.
Not all of his music is available on Idagio, but quite a lot of it is, including his mysterious and submersive Symphony No. 1, "Da pacem Domine".
https://app.idagio.com/works/17781754
And on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/symphony-no-1-da-pacem-domine/1583519450?i=1583519458
I also love the album of his music, White Ghost Dancing:
https://app.idagio.com/albums/ross-edwards-white-ghost-dancing?utm_source=pcl
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ross-edwards-white-ghost-dancing/1583516056
Thanks for the recommendations. I will give these a listen tomorrow!
I'm a bit late in commenting on this but I *LOVED* Edwards' Symphony No. 1, "Da pacem Domine"! I have listened to it several times now, and like it more and more each time.
I have not yet listened to the "White Ghost Dancing" (although it's on my list), but I have also listened to his 2nd and 3rd symphonies, and a fascinating double-concerto for alto sax and percussion called "Frog and Star Cycle", all of which appear to be on this recently released recording: https://app.idagio.com/albums/ross-edwards-frog-and-star-cycle-symphony-no-2-earth-spirit-songs-symphony-no-3-mater-magna?utm_source=pcl.
Thank you so much for suggesting him!
I guess I need to go and check out Betty Beath as well!
fascinating double-concerto for alto sax and percussion called "Frog and Star Cycle"
I’m very much enjoying this!
It’s such an intriguing work. Here’s Ross Edwards’ own commentary:
I'm so glad you both are enjoying Ross Edwards, @jchokey and @jen. It's no surprise that he was taught by Peter Sculthorpe, one of the best-known Australian 20th/21st Century composers. I hear lots of echoes of Sculthorpe, but also a real evolution. Both so deeply influenced by the land.
Here's Sculthorpe's Great Sandy Island:
https://app.idagio.com/recordings/21355744
