It’s modern classical sounds from down under on the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, as Steve Seel brings us a bevy of Australian composers (and one from New Zealand — since we’re right there). The mythology of Australia’s native Aboriginal culture known as the “Dreamtime” plays a prominent role in the music of Peter Sculthorpe, Margaret Sutherland, Ross Edwards and Elena Kats-Chernin, and the diverse sonic terrain covered in their works culminates with Anna Boyd’s mesmerizing choral work As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams. Listen now!
Playlist
The Harp and the Moon: 1st movement
Ross Edwards
Emily Granger, harp
Avie 2495
Haunted Hills
Margaret Sutherland
Jaime Martin, conductor
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
2025 BBC Proms Prom 54
Maranoa Lullaby
Peter Sculthorpe
Brodsky Quartet
Anne Sofie von Otter, alto
Challenge 72007
Cello Dreaming
Peter Sculthorpe
Richard Tognetti, conductor
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Emma-Jane Murphy, cello
Chandos 10063
Canon
Kate Moore
Saskia Lankhoorn, piano
ECM 2344
Butterflying
Elena Kats-Chernin
Nicola Sweeney, violin
Signum 58
Eyes on the Sun
Sophie Hutchings
Sophie Hutchings, piano
Mercury KX 90583
Arafura Dances
Ross Edwards
Paul Daniel, conductor
English Chamber Orchestra
John Williams, guitar
JCW 3
Torua
Gillian Whitehead
Hilary Hahn, violin
DG 19103
Calliope Dreaming
Elena Kats-Chernin
Trio Arbos
Non Profit 1112
As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams
Anne Boyd
Paul Hillier, conductor
Ars Nova Copenhagen
Dacapo 220597
Day’s End
John Williams
John Williams, guitar
JCW 1
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