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War Sonatas

Three piano sonatas composed by Michael Kieran Harvey on the theme of war in the 21st century. Poetry written and spoken by Arjun von Caemmerer is heard between the sonatas/

These three “war” sonatas were composed during the escalation of the 2014 war on Ukraine by Russia beginning on 24 February 2022, the largest attack on a European country since World War II. Many composers have written large works as a response to the insanity of war wielded by aggressive maniacs, a formidable example for piano being Wolpe’s Battlepiece of 1943-4. Towards the end of completion of these sonatas war in the Middle East again flared.

Three entitities inspired Michael Kieran Harvey to negotiate this period and the deep feelings of anger, despair and sorrow he felt for the innocent victims: Peter Singer’s writings, his friend and collaborator on many projects Dr Arjun von Caemmerer, and his return to the study of philosophy.

Artists

Michael Kieran Harvey

Australian pianist and composer, Dr Michael Kieran Harvey FAHA, is one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary piano music of his generation. A champion of Australian music and himself a composer, he regularly commissions new Australian music and has performed with Australia's leading contemporary music ensembles and orchestras.

Arjun von Caemmerer

Dr Arjun von Caemmerer is a Hobart-based general medical practitioner, Iyengar Yoga teacher/practitioner and writer. In 1995 (with Naomi Cameron) he established The Hobart School of Iyengar Yoga.


Press quotes

“Thoroughly engrossing! Congratulations on a stunning work, great performance and the whole production.”

— David Joseph,

“Behind these three piano sonatas, Michael Kieran Harvey centres on some major crises of our age which are essentially colossal failures of action and inaction ... thanks to the brave agitation and fearlessness of his music, we can follow the best stoic directive and say not the struggle naught availeth.”

— Clive O'Connell, O'Connell the Music

Audio previews

Track Listing

  1. The Ire of Irina Arjun von Caemmerer

    2. Piano Sonata #8 “P. Singer” Michael Kieran Harvey

  2. Allegro giusto
  3. Onirico
  4. Ritmico
  5. Word War I: Not All Singers Sing from the Same Song-Book Arjun von Caemmerer

    6. Piano Sonata #9 “Sonata da Caemmerer” Michael Kieran Harvey

  6. Zappaesque
  7. Rubato
  8. Giusto Tempo
  9. Word War II: The Saṃgīta of Arjuna Arjun von Caemmerer

    10. Sonata #10 “Riding with Death” Michael Kieran Harvey

  10. I - Hallucinations 1-8
  11. II - Hammered, relentless
  12. Word War III: Caught in the Cross-Hairs Arjun von Caemmerer

Performers

Where to buy

War Sonatas is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Contributor
Martin Wright
Vaughan McAlley
Release date
April 2025
Copyright
© 2025 Move Records
Phonogram
℗ 2025 Move Records
Categories
Australian, Classical, Keyboard
Catalogue number
MD 3477
Alternate catalogue number
MD3477
Barcode
EAN 8721215059493