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'Shoalhaven
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Suite' CD

Review by Rita Crews

Whilst on the subject of Australian composers, Robert

Allworth's production of Shoalhaven Suite (1999) for the JADE
label is yet another example of the versatility and originality of
this country's composers. All recent compositions (written
between 1988 and 1998), this delightful coUection features
works for piano, recorder, strings, woodwind and percussion.

The title track by Ann Carr-Boyd is a progranunatic piano work

inspired by the natural beauty of the Shoalhaven area in southern
NSW, now the composer's home. The collection of four
internal pieces displays the fine penmanship of Carr-Boyd in a
display of contrasting styles that are unified by the melodic motif
of the first and last pieces of the group. CarrBoyd performs
Shoalhaven Suite herself, as well as Robert Allworth's
Remembering Robert Straub and his introspective One More
Summer.
The haunting sound of the alto recorder is well represented by
Benjamin Thorn's solo works, Mefisto Miniatures and
Croutons IlIA. Both works are played. by the composer. The
first, of five short movements shows some intricate coloration
for the instrument; while the second work explores recorder
technique whilst at the same time, shows Thorn's mastery of the
instrument.

Dulcie Holland, now in her 77th year, is represented by two

works, the first of which is Preamble and Discourse written in
1997. The Preamble is somewhat reminiscent of the opening of
Sutherland's Sonata/or violin and piano; the rhapsodic - and at
times disturbing violin part (played by Semyon Kobets) - is
underpinned by stabbing comments from the piano (played by
James Muir) - whilst the jaunty Discourse that follows shows a
pleasing contrast in style and character. Holland's gentle string
quartet work, Salute to Jacques is performed by the Gagliano
 Quartet. These works continue to demonstrate Holland's
extraordinary ability to sound fresh and innovative, even after a
lifetime spent composing.

Some years ago the Sydney Mandolins found a champion in Eric

Gross who has written some extraordinary works specifically
for this group. Intropiection is such a composition, exploring
the colours and timbre of the mandolin in a slow, gently moving
work that is reminiscent of a lazy, sunlit afternoon.

The final composer represented on this disc is Ian Shanahan

with his Cycles of Vega an extraordinary exploration of colour
sounds that for the composer, represent his passion for the ~\
cosmos and the mystical, timeless nature of the universe. \ ~ I

Featuring a complex array of windchimes, bells, 'Shan Tubes', \~ I

'.1,
percussion and clarinet there is indeed, something almost extra- '\,1J
terrestrial about this work. Ros Dunlop (clarinet) and Daryl Pratt
and Tony Cowdroy (percussion) are the featured perfonners.

Shoalhaven Suite is the 71st CD in the JADE series of works of

Australian composers and is available from the Australian Music
Centre.

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Photography
Marjorie Hystek LMus A DSCM DipEd 'IOOlinNdalPiano

Have you considered having photographs taken to record the special events and achievements Of your
students? Marjorie IS a musician and a prize-winning photographer. She understands and is sympathetic to
the needs of the performer Her speciallS&'j equipment requires no flash Performers are unaware of her
presence Therefore, that special moment is captured forever, Her images are black and white timeless and
archival. Marjorie has negatives taken at Junior Music Festivals from past years. Inquiries about these are
welcome

Please contact MarjOrie on (02) 9810 8397/Fax 9555 6383/email mghystek@blgpond.com