The music of

David Lumsdaine

The music of David Lumsdaine

Catalogue of Extant Works, by category

ORCHESTRAL

A Garden of Earthly Delights for solo cello and large orchestra. Duration 32'.

Commissioned by ABC. Completed 18 May 1992.

First performed by David Pereira and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by lroyuki Iwaki, Sydney November 1992.

Recorded by David Pereira and the Australian Youth Orchestra conducted by Diego Masson on Tall Poppies TP113.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Episodes for orchestra. Duration ca. 21'. Dedicated to Anthony Gilbert.

Composed Great Bookham, Mousehole, Shootlands, 1968-69.

First performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Elgar Howarth at a BBC Invitation Concert, London 1972.

Universal EditionProgramme note


Hagoromo for large orchestra. Duration 34'.

Commissioned by the BBC for the 1975 Henry Wood Promenade Concerts.

Dedicated to Lorna and Brian Mellor.

Composed Pittwater, NSW and Essex 1 August 1976-1 August 1977. Revised March 1980.

First performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez, Paris, 1 December 1977.

Recorded by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Diego Masson on ABC Classics ABC426 994-2.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Mandala 5 for large orchestra. Duration 23'.

Commissioned by ABC. Dedicated to Nicola. Completed London 1 December 1988.

First performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stuart Challender, Sydney Opera House, 24 May 1989.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Salvation Creek with Eagle for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion (one player), piano and strings. Duration 18'.

Composed Durham, 2-14 June 1974.

First performed by Durham University New Music Ensemble conducted by Peter Wiegold, Durham 1974.

Recorded by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Albert Rosen on ABC Classics ABC426 994-2.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Shoalhaven for small orchestra. (Also a version for Youth Orchestra) Duration 16'.

Commissioned by the Shoalhaven Philharmonic Society. Dedicated to the memory of Don Banks. Composed 1982.

First performed by the Shoalhaven Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the composer, Nowra NSW 1983.

Recorded by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Albert Rosen on ABC Classics ABC 426 994-2.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Sunflower for chamber orchestra. Duration 25'.

Commissioned by the Northern Sinfonia. Dedicated to the memory of Luigi Dallapiccola.

Composed Sway, Durham and Lewes, March-June 1974.

First performed by the Northern Sinfonia conducted by Christopher Seaman, Middlesbrough 1976.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


The Arc of Stars for string orchestra. Duration 16'.

Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Dedicated to Elizabeth Maconchy on her birthday, 19.3.90.

Completed London, March 1990.

First performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Stanhope, Sydney May 1992.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


WORKS WITH VOICE(S)

A Child’s Grace for voice, oboe and harp. Duration 1'.

Text by Robert Herrick.

Commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for the report A Fairer Hearing, London 1993.


A Little Cantata in memoriam Tracey Chadwell for soprano, treble recorder and piano. Duration 4'.

Text by the composer. Composed Alendo, Chapelle Pommier, York, August-September 1996.

First performed by Alison Wells, John Turner and Keith Swallow at a concert in memory of Tracey Chadwell, October 1996.

Recorded by Lesley Jane Rogers, John Turner and Peter Lawson on métier msv 28519.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


A Norfolk Song Book 10 songs for soprano and recorder (various). Duration 22'.

Texts by the composer.

Commissioned by and dedicated to Tracey Chadwell and John Turner.

Composed 1992.

First performed by Tracey Chadwell and John Turner, Manchester 1993.

Recorded by:

1) Tracey Chadwell and John Turner on BMS 420/421.

2) Lesley Jane Rogers and John Turner on métier msv 28519.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


A Tree Telling of Orpheus for soprano, flute, clarinet, violin, viola and cello.

Duration 24'.

Text by Denise Levertov.

Commissioned by Gemini. Dedicated to Michael Hall.

Completed London 22 November 1990.

First performed by Mary Wiegold and Gemini at the 1991 Huddersfield Festival.

Recorded by Lesley Jane Rogers and Gemini Ensemble conducted by Martyn Brabbins on métier msv 28519.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Aria for Edward John Eyre for soprano, double bass, two narrators, 3 clarinets (doubling bass clarinets), trumpet, horn, trombone, harp, 2 percussion, tapes and live electronics. Duration 57'.

Commissioned by the BBC for an Invitation Concert, January 1973.

Text taken from Eyre’s Journals of Expedition of Discovery into Central Australia and overland from Adelaide to King George’s Sound in the Years l840-4l condensed and treated by the composer.

Composed Durham and London, 12 October-21 December 1972.

First performed by Jane Manning (soprano), Barry Guy (double bass), John Baddeley and John Rye (narrators), and the London Sinfonietta conducted by Elgar Howarth, Liverpool, 29 January 1973.

Recorded by:

1) Jane Manning, Barry Guy, John Baddeley, John Rye and Gemini conducted by Elgar Howarth on NMC D007.

2) Merlyn Quaife, John Fardon, Peter Gwynne, John Tong and The Seymour Group conducted by David Stanhope on Vox Australis VAST011-2.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Dum medium silentium for SATB unaccompanied. Duration ca. 13'.

Text: the Introit for the Sunday within the 8ve of Christmas.

Composed 1965. Revised 1975.

First performed by Singcircle conducted by Gregory Rose, London 1976.

Novello


Easter Fresco for soprano, flute, horn, harp and piano. Duration ca. 12'.

Text (in Latin): Gospel according to St. John, XX: 11-16.

Composed Great Bookham, Surrey, 19-31 March 1966. Revised October 1970.

First performed by Jane Manning (soprano) and the London Sinfonietta conducted by the composer, BBC Music in Our Time, 1970.

Universal EditionProgramme note


Fire in Leaf and Grass for soprano and clarinet. Duration 2'.

Text by Denise Levertov.

Composed London August 1991.

First performed by Mary Wiegold and Ian Mitchell, 31 October 1991.

University of York Music Press


Five Travelling Songs for SATB. Duration 7' 20".

Texts by Robert Graves, Ewart Milne, traditional and WH Auden.

A reworking of songs from 1953, recomposed York 2012.

First performed by the Elysian Singers, conducted by Sam Laughton, York, October 2012.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


My Sister’s Song. Scena for solo soprano. Duration 17'.

Texts taken from A. K. Ramanujan’s translation of Tamil love songs, and N.K. Sandars translation of Poems of Heaven and Hell from Ancient Mesopotamia.

Commissioned by the Camden Festival for Jane Manning. Dedicated to Nicola. Completed 9 December 1974.

First performed by Jane Manning, London 1975.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


The Ballad of Persse O’Reilly for tenor solo, male voice choir and 2 pianos. Duration 12' (reworking).

Text from Finnegan’s Wake by James Joyce. Originally composed London April 1953, revised London 1981.

First performed by students of Kings College London, conducted by Jonathan Dunsby 1982.

University of York Music Press


Tides for 3 sopranos, 3 altos, 3 tenors, 3 basses, speaker, vibraphone and optional live electronics (amplification). Duration 30'.

Commissioned by the ABC.

Composed Warham, Norfolk and Durham, Spring and Summer 1979. Dedicated to ‘my mother’.

Radiophonic version first broadcast ABC December 1979.


What Shall 1 Sing? 12 songs for soprano and 2 clarinets. Duration 16'.

Texts traditional.

Commissioned by Karen Jackson. Dedicated to Ian Taylor.

First performed by Diana Crockford (soprano) and 2 clarinettists at the 1983 Helmsley Festival.

Recorded by Mary Wiegold (soprano), Edward Pillinger (clarinet) and Ian Mitchell (clarinet) on NMC D007.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Where the Lilies Grow for 8-part chamber choir. Duration 8'.

Text taken from the traditional Scottish Border Ballad The Demon Lover.

Commissioned by The Song Company.

First performed by The Song Company conducted by Charles Colman, Sydney 1985.

University of York Music Press


WORKS FOR ENSEMBLE, with and without electro-acoustics

A Dance and a Hymn for Alexander Maconochie, Norfolk Island, May 25 1840 for flute (doubling piccolo and sopranino ocarina), clarinet, percussion, mandolin (doubling tamtam), guitar, violin (doubling kit) and double bass. Duration 20' 50".

Commissioned by Elision. Composed Indian Head and London March 1988.

First performed by Elision conducted by Christopher Lyndon Gee, Melbourne Conservatorium May, 1989.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Annotations of Auschwitz for soprano, flute (doubling bass flute), trumpet, horn, violin, cello and piano. Duration ca. 20'.

Texts taken from Peter Porter’s ‘Annotations of Auschwitz’ and The Wisdom of Solomon, XVIII: 14-17.

Composed Great Bookham, Surrey, 13 September 1964. Revised Shootlands, Surrey, December 1970.

First performed by Helen Lawrence (soprano) and the New Music Ensemble conducted by John Carewe, Arts Council GB, Smith Square, London 1965.

Universal EditionProgramme note


A tree dances for Orpheus for keyboard and 2 melody instruments (variable instrumentation). Duration 1' 30".

A reworking of A Child’s Grace for the UYMP collection On Track.

First performed by students of University of York, 2006.

University of York Music Press


Bagatelles for flute, clarinet, viola, cello and piano. Duration 21' 14".

Commissioned by the Australia Ensemble. Completed Balmain, 8 February 1985.

First performed by the Australia Ensemble, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1985.

Recorded by the Tall Poppies Ensemble conducted by David Stanhope on Tall Poppies TP133.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Caliban Impromptu for piano trio, tape and live electronics. Duration 22'.

Commissioned by the Cheltenham Festival.

Composed Durham, June 1972.

First performed by the Orion Trio and the composer, Cheltenham 1972.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Catches Catch (Mandala 2) for flute (doubling piccolo and alto flute), basset clarinet, viola, cello and percussion. Duration 22'.

Commissioned by the Pierrot Players. Dedicated to Edna.

Composed Shootlands, Abinger, Spring 1969.

First performed by the Pierrot Players conducted by Harrison Birtwistle, London 1969.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Empty Sky, Mootwingee for flute, trombone (or horn), cello, pitched percussion (2 players). Duration 21'.

Commissioned by Flederman. Composed 1986.

First performed by Flederman, Sydney 1986.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Incidental Music for The Crane, a play for radio by Brenda Townsend Hall. Piccolo doubling alto flute, percussion and harp.

Recorded by Gemini Ensemble for BBC production, broadcast Radio 3 1992.


Kali Dances for flute (doubling piccolo), oboe, clarinet (doubling Eb clarinet), trumpet, tuba, vibraphone, piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass.

Duration 21'.

Commissioned by Sydney Alpha. Dedicated to Gillian Whitehead.

Completed York 1 July 1994.

First performed by Sydney Alpha, Sydney 1994.

Recorded by Stephanie MacCallum (piano) and Sydney Alpha conducted by Antony Walker on ABC Classics 456 53732.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Looking Glass Music for brass quintet and tape. Duration 25'.

Commissioned by the BBC. Dedicated to the Philip Jones Brass Quintet.

Composed Shootlands, Mousehole, Durham, November-December 1970.

First performed on BBC Radio 3 by the Philip Jones Brass Quintet 1971.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Mandala 1 for wind quintet. Duration ca. 15'.

Composed Great Bookham, 1967.

First performed by the London Sinfonietta conducted by David Atherton at a BBC Invitation Concert, Durham 1970.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Mandala 3 for solo piano, flute, clarinet, viola, cello and Chinese bell. Duration 34'.

Commissioned by Gemini. Completed 20 September 1978.

First performed by Ronald Lumsden and Gemini conducted by Peter Wiegold, Bristol 1978.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Mandala 4 for string quartet (viola player also plays Chinese temple gong).

Duration 17'.

Commissioned by the BBC. Dedicated to ‘the Buddha of Spirey Creek’. Composed 1983.

First performed by the Arditti String Quartet on BBC Radio 3, 1991.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Rain Drums. Ricercar for four drummers. Duration 12'.

Commissioned by Synergy. Composed 1993.

First performed by Synergy, Sydney October 1994.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


INSTRUMENTAL SOLOS AND DUOS

Blue upon blue for solo cello. Duration 8'.

Commissioned by Tall Poppies. Composed 1991.

First performed by David Pereira, Sydney 1992.

Recorded by:

1) David Pereira on Tall Poppies TP075.

2) Jonathan Price on métier msv 28519.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Cambewarra for solo piano. Duration 21'.

Commissioned by New Music Forum for Peter Lawson. Dedicated to Hal and Jane Wootten.

Completed 3 September 1980.

First performed by Peter Lawson, Manchester 1981.

Recorded by:

1) Mark Knoop on Tall Poppies TP198

2) Peter Lawson on métier msv 28519

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Curlew in the Mist for solo shakuhachi. Duration 8'

Commissioned by Tall Poppies. Composed 1993.

First performed by Riley Lee, Sydney 1994.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Flights for two pianos. Duration ca. 22'.

Composed Great Bookham, May-July 1967.

First performed by Roger Smalley and Stephen Savage at a BBC Invitation Concert, London 1967.

Recorded by Daniel Herscovitch and Erzsébet Marosszéky on Continuum CCD 1078.

Universal EditionProgramme note


Kangaroo Hunt for piano and percussion. Duration ca. 20'.

Commissioned by the Oxford Bach Festival.

Composed Shootlands and Durham, January-March 1971.

First performed by Paul Crossley (piano) and James Holland (percussion), London 1971.

Recorded by Lachlan Redd (piano) and Murray Hickman (percussion) on Anthology of Australian Music CSM 24.

Universal EditionProgramme note


Kelly Ground for solo piano. Duration 25'.

Composed Great Bookham, 2-28 October 1966. Dedicated to Don Banks.

First performed by Roger Smalley at a BBC Invitation Concert, London, November 1966.

Universal Edition

Recorded by Mark Knoop on Tall Poppies TP198.Programme note


Metamorphosis at Mullet Creek for sopranino recorder. Duration 2'.

Commissioned by John Turner. Dedicated to Anthony Gilbert. Composed 1993.

First performed by John Turner at the 1993 Huddersfield Festival.

Recorded by John Turner on métier msv 28519.

Forsyth Brothers, 126 Deansgate, Manchester. Included in Volume 4 of ‘Pieces for solo recorder’.Programme note


Ruhe sanfte, sanfte ruh’ for piano solo. Duration 18'.

Completed Durham 31 December 1974. Dedicated to the memory of Jannice.

First performed by Ronald Lumsden, Reading 1978.

Recorded by:

1) Roger Smalley on Tall Poppies TP060.

2) Mark Knoop on Tall Poppies TP198

University of York Music PressProgramme note


Six Postcard Pieces for solo piano. Duration 4' 40".

Commissioned by Tall Poppies. Dedicated to Anthony Gilbert with affection and admiration. Completed York 17 September 1994.

First performed by Koh Bee Tuan, York 1994.

Recorded by:

1) Ian Munro on Tall Poppies TP080

2) Peter Lawson on métier msv 28519

3) Mark Knoop on Tall Poppies TP198.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


BRASS BAND

Evensong for brass band. Duration 12'.

Commissioned by the Arnolfini Gallery for the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Composed 1975. First performed by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band conducted by Elgar Howarth, Bristol 1975.

University of York Music PressProgramme note


ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC

Big Meeting. An electronic fantasy for tape. Quadraphonic version 78', stereo version 62'.

Composed Durham between 1971 and 1978.

First performed Durham 1978.

Stereo version recorded on NMC D171.Programme note


Dusk Chorus, sound collage for an installation of lights, dancers and mobile sound based on Australian birdsong, commissioned by the City of London Festival. Duration 54’

Composed from Australian field recordings in the Lumsdaine Wildlife Sound Archive in collaboration with Craig Vear, sound design, York, 2011.

First performed Guildhall Yard, London, June 2011.Programme note


Nursery Rhymes for stereophonic tape. Duration 12'.

Composed Shootlands, Surrey, Spring 1969.

First performed at installation, Arts Council GB, Piccadilly, 1970.Programme note


Two Just So Stories for narrator, dancers and midi orchestra. Duration 22'.

Texts by Rudyard Kipling.

1) ‘The Elephant’s Child’; 2) ‘The Sing Song of old Man Kangaroo’.

Commissioned by lnterArtes.

First performed by the composer and lnterArtes at the South Bank, London, August 1990


Wild Ride to Heaven, a radiophonic adventure playground for the ear, in collaboration with Nicola LeFanu. Duration 59'.

Commissioned by the BBC.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 3, 1980.


SOUNDSCAPES

Darling River Studies, 4 small soundscapes for Anthony Gilbert’s 70th birthday. Duration 21'

1. The billabong at sunset. 2. Frogs at night. 3. Serenade. 4. Raven Cry

Field recordings made at Kinchega, Western NSW, October 1983, composed York 2004 assisted by Naomi and Peter Lumsdaine.

First performed at an AG birthday concert, Purcell Room, South Bank, London, July 2004.Programme note


Dusk Chorus, sound collage for an installation of lights, dancers and mobile sound based on Australian birdsong, commissioned by the City of London Festival. Duration 54’

Composed from Australian field recordings in the Lumsdaine Wildlife Sound Archive in collaboration with Craig Vear, sound design, York, 2011.

First performed Guildhall Yard, London, June 2011.Programme note


Four Soundscapes. Commissioned by ABC. First broadcast on ABC during May 1990.

1) Lake Emu. Duration 43'.Programme note

2) River Red Gums. Duration 17'

Field recordings for 1 and 2 made Kinchega, Western NSW, November 1989.

Both recorded on Tall Poppies TP092.

3) Meunga Creek. Duration 34'. Dedicated to Arthur and Margaret Thorsburne.

Field recordings made Edmund Kennedy National Park, NE Queensland, September 1989.

Recorded on Frémaux & Associés FA 635.Programme note

4) Pied Butcherbirds of Spirey Creek. Duration 22'.

Field recordings made Warrumbungles, NSW, September 1985.Programme note

Recorded on Tall Poppies TP091.

All four soundscapes were composed at the ABC Digital Studio, Sydney, January-February 1990, assisted by Brendan Frost; and revised Queens Park, London, 1991.


Gathering Paths, soundscape for an installation in collaboration with Nicola LeFanu (instrumental composer) and Barbara Freeman (artist) duration variable to 45'

Field recordings made in and around Farrera, Catalan Pyrenees 1996 & 1997, composed York 1998.

Commissioned by Sonorities Festival, Belfast, opened Ormeau Baths Galleries, Belfast, May 1998.


Hunting a Crested Bellbird at Palm Creek for Doctor Gilbert, soundscape. Duration 7' 04"

Field recordings made at Palm Creek, Western MacDonnell Range, Northern Territory,

September 2000, composed York 2004, assisted by Naomi Lumsdaine.

First performed at an AG birthday concert, Manchester, October 2004.Programme note


Near and Far, Stereo soundscape. Duration 22'.

Field recordings made NW Queensland, November 1997, composed York, 1998.

8-track version made with Michael Clarke for performance at Huddersfield Electric Spring Festival, 1999.Programme note


Soundscape 5 - Cambewarra Mountain. Duration 70'.

Commissioned by 2MBS Sydney. Dedicated to Hal Wootten

Field recordings made Green Valley Farm, Cambewarra, Kangaroo Valley, NSW, November-December 1989. Composed Queens Park, London, 1991.

First broadcast on Australia Day, 26 January 1992.

Recorded on Tall Poppies TP034.Programme note


Soundscape 6 - Mutawinji. Duration 42'.

Field recordings made Mutawinji (Mootwingee) Western NSW, October 1995, composed York, 1995.

Recorded on Tall Poppies TP091.Programme note


Two small soundscapes

Boyd River Crossing, Field recordings made Kanangra Boyd National Park, NSW, October 1979Programme note

Tam o’Shanter Forest, Field recordings made NE Queensland, September 1989

Both works composed Queens Park, London, 1991.

Recorded on Frémaux & Associés FA 635 (originally Sittelle CD 23907).