Don Banks: Vocal and Chamber Music
During his short life Don Banks (1923–80) enjoyed a reputation as the leading modernist among Australian composers. Studies with Mátyás Seiber, Milton Babbitt and, especially, Luigi Dallapiccola helped refine his serial technique, but his music never retreated into academic abstraction, as this recital of chamber and vocal works demonstrates: it retained a keen sense of drama, an ear for atmosphere, a rather angular lyricism and, occasionally, a touch of humour.
Robert Johnson, horn (Tracks 1–3)
Ole Böhn, violin (Tracks 1–3, 18)
Jenny Duck-Chong, mezzo-soprano (Tracks 4–8, 19–21)
Francesco Celata, clarinet (Tracks 9–11)
Geoffrey Gartner, cello (Tracks 12–14)
Rowan Phemister, harp (Tracks 19–21)
David Kim-Boyle, siren (Track 21)
Alison Pratt, Daryl Pratt and Joshua Hill, percussion (Tracks 19–21)
Daniel Herscovitch, piano
Listen To This Recording:
- I Lento – Allegro moderato
- II Adagio espressivo
- III Moderato
- No. 1 Buy broom buzzems
- No. 2 My Bonny Lad
- No. 3 King Arthur’s Servants
- No. 4 Bonny at Morn
- No. 5 O the Bonny Fisher Lad
- Prologue
- Night Piece
- Blues for Two
- No. 1 Andante – Moderato
- No. 2 Lento espressivo
- No. 3 Allegro con brio
- I Allegro con spirito
- II Largo con espressione
- III Risoluto – Lamentevole
- Sonata for Violin and Piano
- I Lento
- II Adagio – Allegro – Tempo I
- III Vivace – Lento
Trio for Horn, Violin and Piano (1962)
Prologue, Night Piece and Blues for Two for clarinet and piano (1968)
Three Studies for Violoncello and Piano (1954)
Sonatina in C sharp minor for piano (1948)
Tirade for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble (1968)*
* FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘The performance of all this material is excellent and clearly sympathetic; it is complemented by a clear and vibrant recording.’
—John France, MusicWeb International
MusicWeb International :
‘The musicians – mostly Australian, an excellent idea – do Banks proud. If these performances cannot entice an interest in his music, then nothing will.’
—Gary Higginson, MusicWeb International
Stringendo :
‘At last – a complete recording of the chamber music of one of Australia’s foremost composers. Pianist Daniel Herscovitch, who had personal connections with Banks, has assembled fine performers from NSW. […]
In 1962, Banks wrote his horn trio, a worthy successor to that of Brahms, played here with sensitivity by Robert Johnson, Böhn and Herscovitch. Also featured are Francesco Celata’s expressive clarinet playing and Jenny Duck-Chong who sings with precise diction and expressive agility.’
—Susan Pierotti, Stringendo