Australian Songs

This recording is a comprehensive collection of the vocal music of Richard Peter Maddox. It bears the impramatur of the composer (playing the Australian-designed Stuart & Sons piano), and he is joined by his talented brother Graham Maddox on oboe and Sydney-based vocalist, Samantha Smith.

Something for lovers of fine vocal music and Australian music alike!

This hauntingly beautiful disc features premiere recordings of Maddox's Four Songs for Soprano, the Four Archaic Songs, Letters from Armidale (text by Mary Buck), The Stranger in my Skin (text by Bruce Dawe) and his suite of five well-known Australian folksongs.

Artists

Graham Maddox

Graham Maddox was also born in Apia, Western Samoa, and grew up in Sydney. Besides pursuing a distinguished academic career (currently he is a Professor of Politics in the University of New England), he studied oboe on an orchestral scholarship with Ian Wilson at the Sydney Conservatorium, and with Neil Black, John Anderson and Evelyn Rothwell in London. He has performed widely, and has given many first performances of works by his brother, Richard Peter Maddox.

Samantha Smith

Based in NSW, vocalist Samantha Smith has been a soloist under many conductors at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium, including the late Professor Michael Dudman, John ODonnell, Christopher Allan, Philip Mathias, Robert Constable and Nigel Butterley. In 1996 Samantha performed the leading role of Nero in Monteverdi's'The Coronation of Poppea', directed by Yaron Lifschitz with musical direction by Robert Constable.

Richard Peter Maddox

Richard Peter Maddox was born in Apia, Western Samoa, and grew up in Sydney, N.S.W. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of New South Wales in 1962. Following a number of years working as a company accountant and controller, he decided to leave the world of commerce, pursuing his musical studies at the Universities of London, Sydney, UCLA and New England.


Press quote

“a fine example of modern songwriting.”

— Kim Lockwood, Herald Sun

Audio preview

Track Listing

  1. The Pear Tree Richard Peter Maddox
  2. Bargain Basement Richard Peter Maddox
  3. Sleight-of-hand Richard Peter Maddox
  4. Sonnet XVIII Richard Peter Maddox
  5. In Praise of Art Richard Peter Maddox
  6. To Saint Mary Magdalen Richard Peter Maddox
  7. A Prayer to the Holy Trinity Richard Peter Maddox
  8. Blow, blow thou winter winde Richard Peter Maddox
  9. Botany Bay Richard Peter Maddox
  10. Moreton Bay Richard Peter Maddox
  11. Click Go the Shears Richard Peter Maddox
  12. The Streets of Forbes Richard Peter Maddox
  13. Waltzing Matilda Richard Peter Maddox
  14. Lovely Day Richard Peter Maddox
  15. Figs Richard Peter Maddox
  16. Letters Richard Peter Maddox
  17. News Flashes Richard Peter Maddox
  18. Rain Richard Peter Maddox
  19. Stranger Richard Peter Maddox
  20. Looking Down from Bridges Richard Peter Maddox
  21. The Swimming-Pool Richard Peter Maddox
  22. Bedroom Conversations Richard Peter Maddox
  23. A Peasant Idyll Richard Peter Maddox

Performers

Composer

Richard Peter Maddox

Richard Peter Maddox was born in Apia, Western Samoa, and grew up in Sydney, N.S.W. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of New South Wales in 1962. Following a number of years working as a company accountant and controller, he decided to leave the world of commerce, pursuing his musical studies at the Universities of London, Sydney, UCLA and New England.


Availability

Australian Songs 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
$26.00 AUD
Categories
Australian, Classical, Vocal
Catalogue number
MD 3227
Alternate catalogue number
MD3227
Barcode
EAN 9314574322729