FIJI MOON – JAD CD 1121 An anthology of works by Australian composers in a wide range of styles and musical groupings: string quartet: wind quintet & percussion; piano, celesta & orchestra: trio for flute, oboe & bassoon; violin & cello; duo for mandolin & organ; duo for flute & piano; recorder ensemble; solo piano. TRACKS 1,2 & 3 - ANN CARR-BOYD (b. 1938) 1. FIJI MOON - RISING RED OVER VITI LEVU FIJI (1978) 2. STEFAN'S QUINTET - A CLUSTER OF GALAXIES (1978) 3. SPIRAL GALAXY - NGC 4565 (1978) The above three pieces are from a 1978 composition LOOK AT THE STARS which was composed at the request of Dr Franz Holford, then editor of Albert's AE editions, who subsequently published them. The complete set of 14 pieces was recorded by pianist John Martin at Tiger Recording Studios, 24th May 2004, and released on Jade CD 1103 Music of Ann Carr·Boyd. TRACKS 4 - ERIC GROSS (b. 1926) PRELUDE TO PARADISE (1977-2005) Prelude to Paradise was originally written as an organ prelude in 1977 to be performed at a memorial service, in the United States of America for the composers' niece Pamela Hess-Dundon who died at an early age in Pittsburgh. The music is intended to express her serene and pleasantly contented personality. Apart from the original organ version, this composition has been arranged by the composer, not only for full orchestra but also especially for the St. Andrew's Cathedral Orchestra in Sydney, using their fine string section and string soloists only. This transcription for solo piano does indeed produce a meditative and ethereal effect, thanks to the sensitive performance by Pianist Ray Lemond. Recorded by Kerry Joyner Studio C 2MBS-FM Sydney 3/6/2005. TRACK 5 - ROBERT ALLWORTH (b. 1943) ONE MORE SUMMER (1995) This composition is dedicated to Prince Lorenzo Montesini. The idea for the music came to the composer after reading an article on the life of the troubled prince. One More Summer is a reverie written in twelve-note technique depicting the character and style of this spectacular person, Prince Lorenzo Montesini. Recorded by Ann Carr-Boyd at Studios 301 29/4/95. TRACK 6 - DEREK STRAHAN (b. 1935) "SON OF SKIPPY" This piece is from Suite No.1 "The Australian Ark", which presents music written for "Amazing Marsupials", an episode of Robert Raymond's 13-part film documentary series "Shell's Australia", originally shown on Channel 7 and thereafter widely seen overseas. "Son of Skippy" seems a happy title for a piece which depicts the gait of a kangaroo in full hop mode. (The complete Suites No.1-6 can be heard on “The Australian Ark” RDS 008) Performer credits: Neville Amadio, flute; Don Westlake, clarinet; Brian Dean, guitar; Lennie Hutchinson, guitar bass; John Sangster, Derek Fairbrass, percussion. Session directed by Derek Strahan, recorded at Studio 301, Sydney, 1970. Digital pre-mastering, Bob Scott. By kind permission of Opus Films. TRACKS 7,8,9,10, & 11 - ROBERT ALLWORTH (b. 1943) 7. FIJIAN MEMORY (2008) Fijian Memory is an evocation of the landscape of Fiji with a slow middle section depicting a tranquil lazy lunch before returning to the opening themes and ending with a coda of reminiscences. Played here with Paul Hooper-Mandolin, Michael Scott-Flute, Joseph Hanic-Oboe and Gordon Skinner-Bassoon. 8. FIJIAN SUNSET (2009) Fijian Sunset is constructed as an exposition, set of variations and a coda. The music, somewhat episodic in character, describes various emotions at sunset. The composition uses twelve-note technique. Fijian Sunset was completed in January 2009 for Polyphonica - comprising Grace Barton, Simone Curley and Michael Piraner playing recorders-Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass. It was recorded on the 15 February 2009 by Toby Hrycek-Robinson at the Moat Studios in London. 9. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY QUEEN OF PEACE AND BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP (1993) An evocation of the beauty and purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Jesus and Blessed Mary Mackillop. Played here sensitively by Composer-Pianist Miriam Hyde. For Sr. Margaret T. Cusak RSJ, and all the sisters of Saint Joseph. 10. INTRODUCTION AND ADAGIO FOR STRING QUARTET (1994) Composed for string quartet. Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola & 'Cello. The music is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Victories. The composition displays the serene character of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The music begins with an introduction then a meditative adagio followed by a coda recalling previous material. 11. CREMORNE PASTORAL (1970) Scored for strings, Piano and Celesta. A miniature Pastoral, mainly of flowing strings with Piano and Celesta episodes of contemplative narrative. The sunny tranquillity is sustained throughout. TRACK 12. PETER SCULTHORPE (b. 1929) OVERTURE (1973) Played by Lawrence Bartlett-Organ Saint Michael's Vaucluse, Sydney. This overture based on the composition Love 200 and using music from the orchestral last movement was previously released on The Jade CD "Jazzwaves" (JADCD 1118) and is re-released on this compact disc to commemorate our most famous Australian composer, Peter Sculthorpe's 80th birthday year. 29/4/2009 Cover Photo of Fiji is by Lorraine Cain of Newport Beach who was born in Suva Fiji and has visited Fiji again at frequent intervals. Fiji is also the birthplace of John Davis Australia music Centre CEO. This compact disc is the 105th in the Jade Series of Australian Composers. It is also the 20th year of Jade compact discs, of Australian Composers. Compilation mastered by Steve Smart Studios 301 3rd April 2009.