Category Archives: New Composition News

Song and Dance (2006)

for string orchestra

duration: approximately 10 minutes

Faber Music publishing details


Programme Notes

i. Song

ii. Dance

The two movements in this piece – the first a ‘song’, and the second a ‘dance’ – explore the differences in life experience and lifestyle between young adults over a 90 year time span. The first movement refers to 1916, when young men were fighting and dying in European battle fields. Young women of the time were at home, married, possibly with children, with a proscribed role of a ‘housewife’. In contrast is the typical 18-25 year old in 2006 – single, juggling a frenetic career and social life, surrounded by information and technological advancements.

This work was commissioned by The Orchestras of Australia Network with the financial assistance of the Australia Council, the Federal Government’s arts funding and advisory body.

Programme note by Matthew Hindson, 2006

notes by Matthew Hindson.


CD Recording Available?

    Not as yet.

Other Information

This piece is performable by a good high school or youth orchestra.

SongDance

Lullaby (2003)

for string orchestra

duration: 4 minutes

Faber Music publishing details


Audio Excerpt: performed by MLC School Chamber Orchestra


Programme Notes

At the end of 2002 I was at my Aunt and Uncle’s farm near Bathurst, NSW, supposedly writing my Ph.D. exegesis. However, as sometimes happens, a certain melody entered my head and refused to leave. I felt that it had the character of a father singing a soft song to a young child, and the result is this pastoral piece, Lullaby.

Lullaby was premiered in Wales at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival in 2003 by a massed group of local young string players.

notes by Matthew Hindson.


CD Recording Available?

      This work is recorded on the disc

Matthew Hindson: String Music for Young Players

    . This disc is available free of charge by contacting the composer.

Other Information

This piece is not difficult for a high school string orchestra.