The Glass Soldier

Music from the August 2007 Melbourne Theatre Company's production. Based on a true story, Hannie Rayson's The Glass Soldier is a deep, sincere tribute to two generations of Australians that had little, but gave everything.

The music for the play is performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Louis Forestier. Magnificent trumpeter Geoffrey Payne is featured in other tracks.

This rich and vibrant music, featuring the world premiere recording of The Glass Soldier Suite composed by Nigel Westlake, exhibits the wonder, tragedy, love and resolution of WW1 stretcher bearer, NH Ferguson.

Artist

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

When a group of musicians assembled for the opening of Australia's Centennial International Exhibition in Melbourne in 1888, they began a long tradition of fine orchestral performances in this city and formed the nucleus of the orchestra we know today.


Press quote

“Nigel Westlake's considerable music score is typical of the composer's output, with quotes from familiar melodies tinged with the sonorities of American pastoralism. It's written like a film score, and used that way too, pushing the audience's emotions this way and that in crucial scenes.”

— Martin Ball, Melbourne Age

Audio previews

Track Listing

    The Glass Soldier Suite (2007) Nigel Westlake

  1. The Glass Soldier 3:16
  2. The Age of Destruction 6:29
  3. White Birds Fly Over the Valley of the Somme 4:12
  4. Symphonies of Glass 4:53
  5. I Was Blinded But Now I See 5:46
  6. The Minstrel Boy 2:47
  7. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind 4:14
  8. The Last Rose of Summer (1908) 3:21
  9. Sussex by the Sea (1901) 1:29
  10. Invercargill (1909) 2:07
  11. Stony Broke in No Man's Land 3:07
  12. Je Te Veux 3:52
  13. Romance Without Words, Op. 17 No. 3 2:09
  14. The Sounds of Villers-Bretonneux (2007) Nigel Westlake 1:19

Performers

Composer

Nigel Westlake

He has played in fusion bands, soundtrack recording sessions, Australia's leading instrumental groups and as a soloist with orchestras and classical ensembles in Australia and in many cities of the world including London, Paris, Berlin, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Washington, Moscow, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Beijing, New Delhi, Wellington and New York.


Availability

The Glass Soldier can be purchased online through Buywell Just Classical or the Australian Music Centre who both offer secure online ordering.

This title is also available in (or can be ordered through) many fine music retailers across Australia, including Thomas’, Discurio and Readings.

Product details

List price
$20.00 AUD
Total playing time
49 minutes 1 seconds
Categories
Australian, Classical, Orchestral
Catalogue number
MD 3318
Alternate catalogue number
MD3318
Barcode
EAN 9314574331820