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Fantasie Australis

This recording features compositions by living Australian composers, mostly whom are based in Melbourne, Victoria. It is performed by the Monash Flute Ensemble directed by Peter Sheridan. The flute ensemble repertoire of Australia is rather minor compared to other national musical genres, though the country has a rich and vibrant source of fine woodwind composers.

A strong growing interest in the extended flute ensemble is taking place here in Australia and worldwide, as multi-award winning composers are exploring and investigating the sonic possibilities of the extended flute family with fresh ears. This album displays a variety of musical styles from driving rhythmic pieces to works based around pure lyricism and improvisation. These imaginative creations can take the listener on a journey into the Australian landscape, to explore the wild bird-calls, the driving the waves, and the howling southern winds of a land as old as time. Australia is a land filled with natural sounds that can permeate the psyche and open new thoughts of sonic possibilities.

This recording provides both student performers and composers the opportunity to experience, and publicise their musical training and aptitudes on the international stage. It is our vision that this CD will inspire new generations of composers and performers to explore the traditional sounds of the Western flute, as well as showcase the abilities of the power and sensitivity of the entire flute family.

Artists

Peter Sheridan

A specialist in low flutes (bass, contrabass and sub-contrabass flutes), performer Peter Sheridan has commissioned over seventy compositions for these unique instruments.

Monash University Flute Ensemble

The Monash University Flute Ensemble is directed by Peter Sheridan. The flautists perform on the wide array of instruments from the modern day flute ensemble (from piccolo to hyperbass flute).


Press quotes

“Rarely does a recording come close to this level of eclecticism. And yet, with the eight rich octaves provided by the sub contrabass to piccolo … this compilation of Australian works explores its own innate eclecticism with such musicality that it is impossible not to be wooed by it.” ★★★★½

— Joshua McNulty, fine MUSIC 102.5 (Sydney)

“Full credit to Monash Uni. emsemble for a top recording. This is a collection of the most recent and exciting flute music. The inclusion of all the biggest members of the flute family creates an enormous sound with a depth and feel of bass that is now changing the sound of flute group playing and public perception of flute sound. Credit is due to Peter Sheridan for commissioning many of these works and collecting them for us all to hear. We owe him thanks too for his inspired work with the students at Monash...Fantasie Australis the CD is a credit to all involved. I can’t wait to see what next year’s group of talent provides.”

— Julie Todd (Flautist and member of Adelaide Flutes, Adelaide Flute Quartet, Flautistry, Contrair Duo etc),

“While there is some variability in compositional quality, all the performances are clearly first-class. I highly recommend this CD for the flute choir section of your library.”

— Erich Graf, The Flutist Quarterly

Track Listing

  1. Fanfare for Uncommon Flutes Houston Dunleavy 2:53
  2. Fantasie Australis Vincent Giles 4:13
  3. Chaconne for double flute choir Vaughan McAlley 5:54
  4. Aerofoil Thomas Reiner 4:32
  5. Milford Fall Houston Dunleavy 5:12
  6. Blow Pipes Russell Gilmour 3:45

    7. Roses: Popourri of Pain and Peace (2011) Emma Rogers

  7. I. Elegant Utterances 3:15
  8. II. Breath 2:25
  9. III. Crimson 4:02
  10. IV. Fragments of Dance 2:20
  11. Fragments Vincent Giles 6:28
  12. Angry Tunes Michal Rosiak 3:30
  13. Improvised Fragments (take two) Vincent Giles 1:50

Performers

Composers

Houston Dunleavy

Houston Dunleavy was born in Ulster and has a wide ranging career across the globe, as musician, conductor and composer.

Vaughan McAlley

Vaughan is a composer and arranger, a capable flautist and french horn player as well as engineer of countless Move CD releases.

Thomas Reiner

Artistic Director of the ensemble re-sound, Thomas Reiner has received numerous awards for his compositions, including second prize in the International Witold Lutoslawski Composers' Competition for Two Movements for Orchestra, the Dorian Le Gallienne Award, and in 1995 the Albert H Maggs Composition Award.


Where to buy

Fantasie Australis is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through Apple Music.

Fantasie Australis is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Total playing time
50 minutes 19 seconds
Release date
September 2013
Copyright
© 2013 Move Records
Phonogram
℗ 2013 Move Records
Category
Classical
Catalogue number
MD 3366
Alternate catalogue number
MD3366
Barcode
EAN 9314574336627