Digital booklet:  View · Download

Music for Strings

Composers include Australians George Dreyfus, Percy Grainger, Roger Rooman and Desmond Grixti, with three European composers as a bonus. The Southern Cross Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Gerald Gentry.

The real value of your contribution is difficult to express in words as it extends beyond anything that any other Australian orchestra is willing to do for Australian composers. Getting the opportunity to listen to your own music is not only an integral part of growing as an artist, but is also at the essence of artistic life. If the music of today is not performed, how can we build on the music of tomorrow? Your support therefore holds an honourable position in our society and should be applauded by all. (Andrián Pertout – composer)

Artists

Southern Cross Philharmonia

Southern Cross Philharmonia was a fully professional Orchestra. It was established in Melbourne in 2005, a not-for-profit organisation. Its purpose was to champion past and present Australian music within a framework of international repertoire. Its was directed by the late Gerald Gentry.

Gerald Gentry

Gerald Gentry has been a tireless promoter of contemporary music regarding the work of present-day composers as a vital and essential element in a nation's musical life.


Press quote

“Veteran English conductor, Gerald Gentry has been quietly fostering the talents within his Southern Cross Philharmonia, an ensemble largely dedicated to Australian music for string forces. A retired BBC Staff Conductor, Maestro Gentry has much to give these bright and gifted younger artists. A particular warmth and beauty of sound is encouraged: nothing is ever ugly or forced, a vocal quality pervades and as a former violist, this inner line is never very far from Gentryʹs ear. As well, a formidable knowledge developed over a lifetime of 20th century omposers and their work; personages such as Percy Grainger and Ralph Vaughan Williams are introduced as old friends.”

— David Barmby,

Track Listing

    Serenade for strings (1883c) Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

  1. Allegro
  2. Andante
  3. Presto
  4. Finale
  5. Angelica, preghiera senza parole (2008) Jesmond Grixti
  6. Lighthouse (1993) George Dreyfus

    7. Simple Symphony Op.4 (1937) Benjamin Britten

  7. Boisterous bourrée: Allegro ritmico
  8. Playful pizzicato: Presto possibile pizzicato sempre
  9. Sentimental sarabande: Poco lento e pesante
  10. Frolicsome finale: Prestissimo con fuoco
  11. Handel in the Strand for piano and string orchestra (1911) Percy Grainger
  12. Arioso in Alto (Skybridge) (1992) Roger Rooman

    13. Holberg Suite, Op 40 (1884) Edvard Grieg

  13. Praeludium: Allegro vivace
  14. Sarabande: Andante
  15. Gavotte: Allegro
  16. Air: Andante religioso
  17. Rigaudon: Allegro con brio

Performers

Composers

George Dreyfus

One of Australia's best known composers, especially the theme from the TV series "Rush", George Dreyfus was recently awarded a the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at the Victorian Parliament House, for services to music.

Benjamin Britten

Edward Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976) was an English composer, conductor, and pianist. Britten's operas are firmly established in the international repertoire. He has more operas played worldwide than any other composer born in the 20th century.

Percy Grainger

Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882-1961) is one of Australia's best known composers. A brilliant arranger of folk music but also a pioneer in percussion and electronic music, Grainger's Warriors was recently heard in the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.


Where to buy

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

Music for Strings 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
Release date
2011
Copyright
© 2011 Southern Cross Philharmonia
Phonogram
℗ 2011 Move Records
Category
Classical
Catalogue number
MCD 446
Alternate catalogue number
MCD446
Barcode
EAN 9314574044621