This is a commemoration of 70 years of composition from one of Australia’s finest composers, Ann Carr-Boyd. There are solo works for cornet, viola and piano, as well as the chamber works The Razz Suite, Cool Valley and The Boulevarde Waltz (the latter of which appears both in string quartet form and solo piano form).
The Razz Suite is a set of six short pieces alluding to the composer’s cats (past and present). All have quirky titles such as Tea for Tugger (a re-take of Tea for Two), Mysterious Kitty, Fluffy Boy, Rag for Razz, Fandango for Fifi. Whilst the first in this set, Prelude for Luigi is a solo violin piece, the remainder are for string quartet (sometimes with oboe added) or string trio. The composer’s writing for chamber ensemble is masterly and displays all the appropriate instrumental gestures, which make these pieces engaging. Her dance like qualities in this set capture the joy she had with her beloved pets.
Cool Valley and The Boulevarde Waltz were commissions by Fr Arthur Bridge on behalf of Ars Musica Australis for the composer’s 70th birthday concert. They both have special connections with Penrith (both the Nepean river and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre). Rhythmic energy and tone colour explorations between flute, oboe and string quartet in the first piece contrast with a languid opening then typical waltz feel in the second piece.
Not all the music on this recording is by Ann Carr-Boyd, as there are short examples of the work of pianist John Martin (Twilight Tango) and the composer’s father, Norbert Wentzel (Two Sketches: Prelude & Intermezzo). Both have strongly personal links with Ann Carr-Boyd and show a strong capacity for the genre.
Sydney Symphony Fellows appear on this recording, as well as pianist John Martin and other instrumentalists.
Available at www.australiancomposers.com.au