Tall Poppies is proud to present The Hinchinbrook Riffs, containing five magnificent works by one of Australia’s favourite composers, Nigel Westlake. Westlake’s amiable style of writing has allowed his music to reach a wide and appreciative audience. Westlake’s music is always engaging, delightfully witty at times, and also capable of plumbing the depths of human experience. The respect with which he is held amongst his colleagues is clear in the passion and commitment audible in these superb performances.
The Piano Trio was commissioned by the Macquarie Trio (making their debut here on Tall Poppies) and whilst it gives the performers a level of virtuosity to achieve, they respond magnificently. The Hinchinbrook Riffs was recorded by brilliant Australian guitarist Craig Ogden, who is enjoying a huge career in Europe. The String Quartetwas commissioned by Ken Tribe in celebration of his 90th birthday and this recording was made just after its premiere in November 2005. It is a passionate and vibrant work. Kalabash was written as part of Westlake’s HC Coombs Creative Arts Fellowship at ANU, and is a serious romp for percussion, played with all the verve we have come to expect from Australia’s premier percussion ensemble, Synergy. The CD concludes with Michael Kieran Harvey’sperformance of the Piano Sonata, written for him. This piece won the Jean Bogan piano prize and was submitted by the ABC to the International Rostrum of Composers in 2000.
See also the first volume of Nigel's chamber music on Tall Poppies: TP047.
