Threnody
This new edition of Michael Kieran Harvey's Thenody CD was originally released in 1995 by Astra. It received glowing reviews then, and greatly deserves fresh exposure. It contains premiere recordings of works by Michael Kieran Harvey, Carl Vine, Stuart Campbell, John McCaughey, Andrew Byrne, Keith Humble, and James Anderson.
The first piece on this CD, Toccata DNA (composed in 1993) also appears on a Michael's PRTZL CD in a revised version (2017).
Artist
Michael Kieran Harvey
Australian pianist and composer, Dr Michael Kieran Harvey FAHA, is one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary piano music of his generation. A champion of Australian music and himself a composer, he regularly commissions new Australian music and has performed with Australia's leading contemporary music ensembles and orchestras.
Press quotes
“Addict strikes me as some of the best music on the disc, especially the passages in which the computer-altered piano sonorities are in the foreground ... Harvey's disc functions as one big piece (no mean feat, given that it involves the works of seven composers). The gaps between the works and movements are minimal so that the pieces tend to run into each other, and the music is distributed so as to allow a single shape to emerge. The first four of Vine's Five Bagatelles are second on the disc, but the fifth – which gives the disc its title – is placed last. Harvey's Addict which is the penultimate work, functions as the CD's climax, not only in terms of its raw energy and extended sound world, but also because the computer music contains references to other music already heard on the disc.”
— Andrew Ford, 24 Hours (ABC)
“Harvey's own works are the best-sounding ones ... Toccata DNA is written in the old developing variations technique. Its supreme lightness comes from germ cells ... This is fast, flashy and good music that deserves more exposure. The same goes for Addict, for piano and what sounds like live electronics ... The talented Harvey turns in truly fantastic performances of all this difficult music.”
— Lyle Chan, Soundscapes
Track Listing
- Toccata DNA Michael Kieran Harvey
- I. Darkly
- II. Leggiero e legato
- III. Gentle
- IV. Untitled
- Quaquaversal Stuart Campbell
- I. Fluent
- II. Presto segreto
- III. Animated, hastening
- IV. Quick
- V. A sense of slow background tempo
- VI. Semplice
- VII. Leggiero, recitativo
- VIII. Serene
- Within Stanzas Andrew Byrne
- I. Fast
- II. Slow
- III. For Tony P. very slow molto rubato
- IV. Move it
- V. Agitato
- VI. EKE Bounce easily (and naturally)
- VII. Slow
- VIII. Very fast
- Reveria I'm Neuen Stil James Anderson
- Addict Michael Kieran Harvey
- Five Bagatelles V. Threnody – for all the innocent victims Carl Vine
Five Bagatelles Carl Vine
Eight Preludes John McCaughey
Eight Bagatelles Keith Humble
Performers
- Michael Kieran Harvey · piano
Composers
Carl Vine
Carl Vine first came to prominence in Australia as a composer of music for dance, with over 20 dance scores to his credit. His catalogue now includes six symphonies, six concertos, music for film, television and theatre, electronic music and numerous chamber works.
Stuart Campbell
Stuart Campbell, originally from New Zealand, was lecturer in Music at LaTrobe University, and a well-known keyboard performer and composer in a variety of areas including jazz and improvisation.
John McCaughey
John McCaughey is perhaps better known as a conductor of the Astra Chamber Music Society than as a composer.
Andrew Byrne
Andrew Byrne is a Australian composer based in New York, who has written works for film, dance, theater, and the concert hall. His music, which always betrays a fascination with polyrhythm, is influenced by American experimental music and non-Western music.
Keith Humble
In 1977, Keith Humble won the National Critics Award as the most outstanding recitalist working in Australia and he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to music in 1982. He was a constant champion of Australian contemporary music and Percy Grainger.
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Melbourne composer, poet and pianist. He has written instrumental, chamber and electronic music.
Where to buy
Threnody 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
- Contributor
- Michael Hewes
- Release date
- 2024
- Copyright
- © 1995 Astra Chamber Music Society
- Phonogram
- ℗ 2024 Move Records
- Categories
- Australian, Classical, Keyboard
- Catalogue number
- MD 3475
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574347524