Music Education &
Performing Arts Consultant
This compilation of some of the great moments in opera came about from the ABC Classic FM segment of the same name and its presenter, Emma Ayres, who through her own inimitable wit seeks to “explain’ or help listeners through the complexities of operatic plots. Ayres reveals a unique take on the onstage antics of … Read more
ISBN 978 1 86367644 1 (Bk 1); 978 1 8637 645 8 (Bk 2); 978 1 86367 646 5 This innovative series of three beginner piano books, the latest in the AMEB’s catalogue, are in the words of the consulting editor, Elissa Milne, “not designed to replace the books you are using now, but … Read more
John Cargher (1919-2008) presented Singers of Renown on ABC Radio National for 42 years. In all that time, he never missed a weekly programme. If travelling, for example, extra shows would be prepared in advance. He even managed one from a hospital bed when recovering from a broken bone! One of the programme’s great attributes was not … Read more
The typical elements of Spanish music, its rhythms, instrumentation and unique melodic lines, are most engagingly presented here by one of Australia’s most successful chamber ensembles, the Southern Cross Soloists (comprising Tania Frazer (oboe), Paul Dean (clarinet), Leesa Dean (bassoon), Peter Luff (horn), Kevin Power (piano) and Margaret Schindler (soprano). They have infused passion and … Read more
This is a commemoration of 70 years of composition from one of Australia’s finest composers, Ann Carr-Boyd. There are solo works for cornet, viola and piano, as well as the chamber works The Razz Suite, Cool Valley and The Boulevarde Waltz (the latter of which appears both in string quartet form and solo piano form). … Read more
Australian pianist, Anna Goldsworthy began the study of piano with an Adelaide teacher, Eleonora Sivan. This charming disc is music emanating from Goldsworthy’s 2009 memoir, Piano Lessons. In it, she relives her childhood and development as a pianist, noting the significant moments and pieces that impacted on her. “After I published Piano Lessons, I was overwhelmed by … Read more
Online delivery of courses seems to be the way of the future. Music educators need to look carefully at all which is on offer in the cyberworld. One such product is The Contemporary Music Course from New Zealand-based composer, Clive Cockburn (former guitarist with the rock band, The Avengers). This is a comprehensive online course … Read more
Portuguese composer and pianist, Antonio Vargas (b 1951) has composed extensively with his young career divided into two parts: jazz music (up to about 1991), and music for film, opera, orchestra and chamber music. These two divisions are based on his life being cast between study at the Rotterdam Conservatoire (until 1990) and teaching in … Read more
Published by the Australian Music Centre, 2008 Paperback ISBN 9780909168650 This new collection of essays tackles an often mentioned but surprisingly little analysed topic. It consists of eighteen refereed papers by prominent composers, artists and academics, divided into three broad sections: Buddhist and Judaic-Christian Overtones – Traditional Asian-Pacific Culture and European Avant-Garde Influences; Pacific Corporeality … Read more
From the opening title track, we hear a powerful duo showing the wide vocal differences in colour between these two acclaimed artists. Solo moments from tenor Hobson in The Holy City and O Holy Night are quite splendid, as are the many rich and sonorous sounds from bass Tahu Rhodes. Some of the contrasts in … Read more