Bass Instincts
The bass recorder is an exquisite instrument that has evolved from its humble consort roots into a virtuosic solo instrument. It possesses a beautifully deep, earthy tone, with mellow and haunting characteristics. Alicia Crossley, one of Australia's leading recorder players, presents an exciting program of new Australian works.
Fiona Hill composer
Anne Boyd composer
Alice Chance composer
Lisa Cheney composer
Amanda Cole composer
Jessica Wells composer
The instrument sings with a natural lyricism that can effortlessly morph into agitated and textural soundscapes. It is these unique musical qualities that are embraced and showcased in the compositions created for Bass Instincts.
With diverse compositions written by some of Australia’s leading female composers, Bass Instincts explores the instinctual musicality, versatility and virtuosity of this unique instrument.
Press quotes
“Not a great deal is heard of the bass recorder. Recorder virtuoso Alicia Crossley has turned conventional recorder techniques upside down, and taken the bass recorder into exciting new territory innovating novel sounds from abrasive to mellow and lingering to punctuated. She has taken this medieval instrument hewn from natural materials combined it with the aesthetics of the 21st century and catapulted it into the future.”
Read full review— Shamistha de Soysa, Sounds Like Sydney
“Traversing a broad range of stylistic persuasions, this album showcases the incredible musicianship, virtuosity and powerful capacity for storytelling that is one of Australia’s finest artists, Alicia Crossley. Listeners, regardless of their familiarity and comfort levels with new music should take a listen to this wonderful album. It will introduce you to intoxicatingly haunting sonic colours, with each of the featured works exploring in its own way the possibilities of the curious instrument that is the bass recorder.”
Read full review— Alex Raineri, Music Trust e-zine Loud Mouths
“Nothing base about these cliche-smashing new works for bass recorder. On display throughout this novel, inventive yet accessible program is Crossley’s own extraordinary creativity, imagination, and musicianship. Instinctive, yes. Base, no.”
Read full review— Will Yeoman, Limelight
Artist

Alicia Crossley
Alicia Crossley is one of Australia’s leading recorder players. She performs a wide variety of repertoire from renaissance dance tunes to contemporary electro-acoustic works with a particular interest in bass recorder repertoire.
Track Listing
- I.
- II.
- III.
- Lost in the Darkness Fiona Hill
- Alhekulyele Anne Boyd
- Inhaltations Alice Chance
- Before You Lisa Cheney
- Vibration Mediation Amanda Cole
- The Clockmaker Jessica Wells
Sylvan Holly Harrison
Performers
- Alicia Crossley · bass recorder, electronics
- Joshua Hill · tracks 1–3
Composers

Anne Boyd
Anne Boyd enjoys a distinguished career as a composer and music educator. She graduated from the University of Sydney with a BA Hons in Music degree in 1967 and from the University of York in England with a PhD in composition in 1972.

Alice Chance
Alice is an Australian composer, conductor, arranger, and lyricist. Her works are performed in concert halls (Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Centre, City Recital Hall Angel Place) and cathedrals (St Mary's Cathedral Sydney, Stanford Memorial Church California, Trinity Church Wall St New York City).

Amanda Cole
Amanda Cole has performed to critical acclaim in Australia, New Zealand, Austria and Germany. Her recording of Portuguese Art Song (Ode Records) drew high praise from the Journal of Singing (USA) and the Camoes Institute of Portugal.
Where to listen
Bass Instincts is available for streaming through Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Bass Instincts is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MCD 624
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Release date
- 27 Sep 2021
- Musical work
copyright - © 2021 Alicia Crossley
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 2021 Move Records
- Category
- Classical
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574062427
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