Composer: Ross Edwards
Orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: David Zinman, Markus Stenz, Lothar Koenigs
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: ABC Classic
Release: 2022
Size: 679 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Symphony No. 2 “Earth Spirit Songs”
01. I. Invocation and Dance of the Holy Spirit
02. II. The Lost Man
03. III. Dance-Song to the Earth Mother
Symphony No. 3 “Mater Magna”
04. I. Feroce – Meno mosso e misterioso
05. II. Lontano e misterioso
06. III. Con moto
Double Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Percussion and Orchestra “Frog and Star Cycle”
07. I. Cosmogony
08. II. Consecration Dance
09. III. Sacred Waters
10. IV. Interplay I
11. V. To the Morning Star
12. VI. Interplay II
13. VII. Evening Star and Interplay III
14. VIII. Cantilena of the Moon
15. IX. The Cycle Renewed
16. X. Benediction
17. XI. Transcendental Dance
One of Australia’s best known and most performed composers, Ross Edwards has created a distinctive sound world based on deep ecology and an awareness of the need to reconnect music with elemental forces and restore its traditional association with ritual and dance. This new release presents iconic and world premiere performances of three of Edwards’ most significant orchestral works: his Second and Third Symphonies, plus the Frog and Star Cycle, a concerto for saxophone and percussion which expresses themes of renewal and wholeness by transforming fragments of ancient plainsong to suggest the mystery, fragility and continuous evolution of life, and the interconnectedness of all things. Throughout all three works we hear abundant shapes and patterns that recall the natural world: birdsong, frog and insect rhythms and the pulsating summer drones of cicadas, presenting a distinctly Australian musical perspective on the world.