Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

This recital examines the primordial sounds of strings and percussion - the inherent juxtaposition of the drawn string against the hit surface, of song and dance.

Australia Piano Quartet’s James Wannan is joined by leading Australian soloist and Artisic Director of Ensemble Offspring, Claire Edwardes.

Peter Sculthorpe was never to be restricted by European convention and, in his Sonata, replaces the usual piano for the magical world of percussion. His use of simple rhythmic motives allows timbre and musical conversation to come to the fore. This iconic work set the scene for Peter’s later exploration of Australian and Asiatic influences in his music.

Alejandro Vinao’s Tumblers is a tour de force for the marimba. The interweaving lines of electronic sound, violin and percussion allow for chamber music at its most complex.

Amulet by Liza Lim, is a revelatory work for solo viola. Transforming its mellow sound into a kaleidoscopic mirage of extended colours.

Maria Glenfell’s new work for marimba, written for Claire Edwardes, draws its inspiration from the world of insects.  Three fascinating movements take the listener on a journey of excitement and virtuosity. 

Berio’s Naturale draws on Sicilian folk music of his youth, to create a profound musical journey. The viola becomes the narrator connecting a diverse range of traditional music that is refracted, enhanced and distorted by Berio’s imagination.

Featured non-Australian music: Berio, Vinao

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• New work by Maria Grenfell
• Performer James Wannan
• Performer Claire Edwardes