Major work finished

Today I finished composing my Preludes for Piano Book II. A set of 12 solo piano pieces running at just under 40 minutes in total I began composing them on Monday November 7, so it's taken me just over a month. Pretty quick considering I also had quite a large administrative workload as I was simultaneously involved in arranging an Australian tour for my trio for early March to celebrate the release of Visions as well as curating a major jazz festival.

Piano preludes usually have descriptive titles, but my preludes have the titles of the musical forms that inspired them. The first prelude is inspired by the literal meaning of "prelude" itself as it is a kind of prelude to the rest so I have called it by the Latin name for prelude which is Praeludium (commonly used in the Baroque period) to avoid having a prelude called "prelude".

I'm really happy with them and relieved to be finished! They are currently in a draft pencil score but all the music is complete. After Christmas I will prepare the final score adding in detailed phrasing, articulation and dynamic markings. This will take a few weeks and from there later in the year I will learn (they are quite difficult) and record them.

1. Praeludium (2'25")
2. Impromptu (3'35")
3. Nocturne (3'05")
4. Ballad (2'40")
5. Gymnopedie (2'35")
6. Scherzo (1'50")
7. Requiem (3'40")
8. Air (3'05")
9. Waltz (3'10")
10. Barcarolle (4'15")
11. Etude (2'40")
12. Hymn (3'00")

Total duration approximately 38 minutes

See piece titles and durations

Recording of cello music

On Sunday I will be doing a CD recording of two of my pieces for cello and piano with cellist Trish O'Brien. A favourite musician whom I have known for more than 20 years Trish formerly held the Associate Principal Cello position in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and has since launched a very active solo career. Trish and I collaborated throughout 2003 in the cello/piano duo Tapas.

New jazz festival for Brisbane

I have curated another jazz festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse which will take place February 10-12 2006. Working with the Powerhouse I have been able to put together a very exciting program of international, national and local talent. The Festival is called Hot Nights Cool Jazz.

Media Release December 2005

Brisbane Powerhouse presents
HOT NIGHTS COOL JAZZ

Australian Jazz guru Mark Isaacs today announced a sizzling line up of international, national and local jazz talent to perform from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February, 2006 as part of Hot Nights Cool Jazz at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Hot Nights Cool Jazz curator Mark Isaacs says the jazz programme, which includes Lynne Arriale Trio (USA), James Muller Trio, Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie, James Sherlock Trio, Ingrid James Quartet, Kidney and Megan Washington will be cool enough to chill even the most sweltering of summer nights.

“From the internationally acclaimed Lynne Arriale Trio, who are famous for their emotionally stirring performances and regularly feature in the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, to James Muller, Australia’s leading jazz guitarist and one of the most exciting and innovative musicians in the country, this year’s line up is sure to appeal to even the most fussy of jazz aficionados,” Isaacs said.

“With two of Australia’s most brilliant artists in trumpeter Scott Tinkler and pianist Paul Grabowsky, Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie is sure to be one of the highlights of the listening year, while a fantastic selection of local musicians such as James Sherlock will keep the Spark Bar happening during the three-day-long line up,” he continued.

Explaining that Hot Nights Cool Jazz is prompted by the success of Cool Nights Hot Jazz, Isaacs says jazz lovers can look forward to more jazz events at the Powerhouse throughout the year.

“The popularity of the event proved to us that Brisbanites love their jazz and showed us that if you put on a great selection of international, national and local artists people will travel the distance for the experience,” Isaacs said.

James Sherlock Trio, Ingrid James Quartet, Kidney, Megan Washington and Toby Wren Trio will play in the Spark Bar before and after the headlining performances in the Powerhouse Theatre.

Jazz lovers wishing to attend Lynne Arriale Trio, James Muller Trio and Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie can take advantage of a special Hot Jazz Trio offer to attend all three performances for $69.00, representing a $28.00 saving.

- ENDS -

Performers: The Lynne Arriale Trio
When: Friday 10 February, 2006
Price: $34 / $28
Venue: Powerhouse Theatre
Performers: James Muller Trio
When: Saturday 11 February, 2006
Price: $29 / $23
Venue: Powerhouse Theatre
Performers: Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie
When: Sunday 12 February, 2006
Venue: Powerhouse Theatre
Price: $34 / $28
Bookings 07 3358 8600 or www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

Read festival media release