A Little Variation: Variation Form as Used by Australian Composers
Jeanell Carrigan, piano. Works by McKay, Webb, Hannan, Polglase, Davidson, Isaacs.Classical, New Music
Australian Music Centre VAST032.2
Reviewed by Houston Dunleavy, April 1st, 2015
Jeanell Carrigan is a passionate pianist. She seems to be able to harness that passion and find works by primarily Australian composers that deserve a thorough, active listening. Without her, a lot of good music would lie mouldering in the corner and never be discovered. Carrigan’s past work, for labels such as Wirripang (www.australiancomposers.com.au) and… continue reading »
Blue Rags
Ian Munro pianoClassical, New Music
Tall Poppies TP186
Reviewed by Houston Dunleavy, April 25th, 2014
Any time one sees Ian Munro’s name on a concert poster or a CD cover, it’s worth it to take note and make an effort to listen. For over 15 year he has produced music of a wide variety and consistently high quality, and been a champion of Australian music. His latest CD continues this… continue reading »
Don Kay: Bird Chants
Vanessa Sharman pianoClassical, New Music
Tall Poppies TP210
Reviewed by Houston Dunleavy, March 1st, 2014
This CD is a significant opportunity: to record a major portion of the output of one of Australia’s senior composers for solo piano. The works presented here cover the period from 1995 to 2008 and were written by Kay for some of the finest pianists in Australia. It is a major undertaking for Sharman, for… continue reading »
d’aujourd’hui
Zoë Black violin, Daniel McKay guitarClassical, New Music
Move Records MD3323
Reviewed by Houston Dunleavy, April 1st, 2014
It’s been a while since this CD was released. Finally I’ve had a chance to listen to and review it. It was definitely worth the wait; this recording deserved much more attention back in 2008 than it seems to have received. Like every Move record I’ve had the chance to listen to, this is beautifully… continue reading »
King Of The Air. The Charles Kingsford Smith Musical
Music and lyrics by Gavin Lockley, book and lyrics by Ann Blainey. Cast principals, Daniel Belle, Renae Martin, David Hooley, Meredith O’Reilly, Philip Dodd, Yvonne Kenny AM, Simon Tedeschi, piano. The Metropolitan Orchestra, Sarah-Grace Williams conductorMusical Theatre
Fish Fine Music
http://www.fishfinemusic.com.au/products/KOTA001.html
Reviewed by Houston Dunleavy, May 1st, 2014
It is not unusual for a musical to be recorded long before its appearance on a full stage. It’s a great way to test the waters of popular opinion, or to see if there’s anyone out there who is willing to sink money into the production costs. Chess is a case in point, existing as… continue reading »
