Amanda Baker
Melbourne-based composer Amanda Baker developed a strong interest in electronic music as an alternative to what she then felt to be the unsatisfactory idioms offered by conventional media.
The composer writes: "I was born in 1962. I grew up in the Long Forest near Bacchus Marsh (Victoria). I played the piano and recorder as a child, and went on with both at University (recorder with Ruth Wilkinson) as well as taking up composition. I developed a strong interest in electronic music as an alternative to what I then felt to be the unsatisfactory idioms offered by conventional media. After finishing my studies I abandoned music completely for a time, becoming very interested in tai chi, pottery and gardening. The need to be doing something musical eventually reasserted itself, and I began working on Phoenix Songs. Among my other pieces are a string quartet, Five Bagatelles for piano, several pieces for choir and ensemble, electronic pieces and A Whitsun Cantata, a semi-dramatic piece for a troupe of twelve amateur singer/players, narrator and tape. I am currently finishing a concerto for recorder and chamber orchestra for Genevieve."
Compositions by Amanda Baker appear on
two
Together, two of Australia's finest young musicians present a unique programme of traditional Irish folk melodies, baroque virtuosity, contemporary Australian works and medieval dance music.
Composer
Phoenix Songs
Like the phoenix 'rising from the ashes', the recorder is presently enjoying somewhat of a renaissance itself. Six of Australia's well-known contemporary composers pair the recorder with piano, harpsichord, voice and live electronics.
