Recording

An outstanding cross-section of works by leading New Zealand composer Gillian Whitehead. Although this album contains mainly chamber and vocal works, Whitehead has also composed numerous large-scale works, including operas and orchestral pieces.

The review on the website Musical Pointers notes, “Altogether a pleasing sequence showing the development of an individual composing voice. Recording values and presentation are excellent, with good background notes which tell of the importance to Whitehead of her Maori ancestry and later interest in improvisation; nowadays she exercises ‘a desire to subvert the listener’s expectations – constantly re-forming her musical style and technique’.”

Music

Fantasia on Three Notes	Gillian Whitehead	11' 39"
for piano
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Performed by David Guerin
Missa Brevis	Gillian Whitehead	15' 00"
for unaccompanied SATB
Performed by Sings Harry Vocal Ensemble
Moon, Tides and Shoreline	Gillian Whitehead	15' 47"
for string quartet
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Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet
Requiem	Gillian Whitehead	22' 28"
for mezzo soprano and organ
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Performed by Scilla Askew (soprano) and Douglas Mews (organ)
Taurangi	Gillian Whitehead	13' 25"
for flute and piano
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Performed by Bridget Douglas (flute) and Rachel Thomson (piano)

Featuring

• Bridget Douglas
• Douglas Mews
• New Zealand String Quartet
• Scilla Askew

Featuring

• Bridget Douglas
• Douglas Mews
• Gillian Whitehead
• New Zealand String Quartet
• Scilla Askew