Works

The end of all journeys

3333 - 4331 - timp + 3 - hp - str

duration  14.00

A melting pot of contemporary sounds, modal melodies, and EDM realised in Romantic orchestral colours. A large scale reflection on violence and repose, complete with djembe drumming and a gateway to peace.

Commissioned by Symphony Australia. Premiered by the Melbourne Symphony, conducted by Richard Mills. Nominated for an APRA Classical Music Award (Orchestral Work of the Year 2003)

Thugine legend

2222 - 22 - 1 perc - str

duration  9.00

Based on a Dreamtime story of two boys who are forbidden to follow the hunters, but do anyway. They come to the sea, where Thugine the Rainbow serpent lures them into the water. The hunters find them, frozen into rocks, far out to sea...

Winner of the inaugural Corbould Composition Prize. Premiered by the Queensland Philharmonic, conducted by Patrick Strub. Also performed by the Melbourne Symphony, and used in their educational materials

Trumpet concerto

tpt, strings

duration  18.00

This piece showcases the incredible spectrum of emotions the trumpet can convey, ranging from Classical to minimalism, from ballads to fanfares, culminating in a wild dance. Commissioned by ABC Classic through the ABC Fresh Start Fund, and dedicated to Australian trumpeter David Elton (Principal Trumpet with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra)

The ABC released the Trumpet concerto recording with David Elton and the Sydney String Virtuosi conducted by Umberto Clerici, produced by André Shrimski (watch a video here). The trumpet and piano version is listed under Chamber below, published by Wirripang. Trumpet and strings sheet music will be published soon

A matter of honour

solo trombone 3232 - 4331 - timp + 2 - str

duration  8.00

Knights in shining armour, damsels in distress, and a rollicking finale. This piece is written for advanced high school students to play, with a challenging solo trombone part. There is also a piano and trombone reduction.

Commissioned by Blackburn High School, Melbourne, for VCE performance by Kieran Conrau (Empire Horns, Cat Empire)

Cortége

2222 - 4231 - timp + 1 - hp - str

duration  10.00

A funeral procession, influenced by the funerary rites of several different cultures. A sparse, morbid opening gives way to a procession that gradually gains momentum, culminating in a wild paean to the dead.

Composed for the Australian Composer's Orchestral Forum (ACOF), mentored by Richard Mills. Premiered by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Porcelijn

Ithaka

3333 - 4331 - timp + 3 - hp - synth - str

duration  18.00

Composed as part of PhD studies, this piece is based on the poem by Constantine Cavafy. The poem itself refers to the journey of life, and how you should live for the journey. This piece is also a journey; involving the assimilation of several musical genres into one. There is a prominent synthesizer part, and at times the percussion section become a human drum machine.

Ithaka was premiered by the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in August 2012, conducted by Fabian Russell, in the Melbourne Town Hall. Excerpts were also played at the 2020 Melbourne Youth Orchestra Summer Camp, conducted by Warwick Stengards, at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

A black dog near me

flugelhorn, piano

duration  6.00

A reflection on mental health, this music embodies the journey many people embark upon daily. Several times it slows to a stop, then starts again like the dawn of a new day, until finally it ends by asking a question that cannot be easily answered. The title comes from a poem called 'Melancholia' by Robert Bly.

Commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music as part of the ANAM Set, the piece was premiered by Joel Walmsley and Peter de Jager. It was also part of the ANAM Set Festival in 2022, and an ANAM Soundbites program in conjunction with Beyond Blue. It has been recorded by the ABC, and a video created by Marleena Forward

And the angel Gabriel said

brass ensemble

(4 tpt, 3 hn, 3 tbn, euph, tb)

duration  13.00

Although not meant as religious music, this piece portrays the vision of angels to the prophet Daniel in the Christian Bible. The first half depicts the mundane workings of the human world, through funk rhythms and harsh chords. In the second half the angels appear, with antiphonal trumpets adding to the halo of sound, until the entire performance space is ringing with sound.

Premiered at the Melbourne International Festival of Brass by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Brass Ensemble, conducted by Charles MacInnes. Further performances in Europe, and at the Sydney International Brass Festival

Azna and Om

2 solo tb, 7 tbn, euph, 2 perc

(7 tbn = alto, 3 tbn, 2 bass tbn, cbass tbn)

duration  13.30

A portrayal of the relationship between a goddess and a god, represented by two solo tubas. This piece was commissioned by Steve Rossé (principal tuba, Sydney Symphony Orchestra), and specifically written for low brass.

After a dreamlike opening, the middle section is influenced by Latin rhythms and percussion. A slow, grand finale sees the soloists reconciled. It was recorded by Mr SC and the Wild Bones Gang in Europe, for future release

Caprice

solo euphonium, piano

duration  10.00

Three movement-variations on Paganini's Caprice no. 24 for solo euphonium and piano, written for Matt van Emmerik and Peter Baker as a euphonium and piano work. Matt has performed the piece in Australia, Hong Kong, and in the USA. The piece has been recorded on Matt's CD Homeland

Euphonium and brass band / wind band listed under Band

Concertino

solo tuba, piano

duration  13.00

An advanced work in two parts, showcasing the diverse talents of Portuguese tubist Sérgio Carolino. This is the piano reduction of the original version for solo tuba and concert band, listed under Band music below.

This piece won the Harvey Phillips Award for composition at the ITEC conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. The piano reduction version was premiered by Mike Forbes in 2018 at Gravissimo! Festival in Portugal, with Bernardo Pinhal.

Spanish tubist Jose Martinez has performed the tuba and piano version on recital tours of Spain and the USA, incorporating dance as part of a show with his group Duo2Arts! His suggested cadenza for the improvised passage is also now included in the published materials

Euphonia

solo euphonium

duration  4.00

A recital opener, showcasing the extreme range, agility and stamina of the soloist. Musical genres interact with each other, creating a sonic melting pot where anything is possible. The piece opens with a call to arms in the form of a free recitative passage, gradually giving way to a funky groove that carries the work to an energetic finale

Commissioned by Australian euphonist Matt van Emmerik and premiered at the University of Texas, Rio Grand Valley in 2016

Fanfare for solo trumpet

tpt

duration  1.30

This piece combines two fanfare styles: grand processions and fast, exciting statements. A solemn opening gives way to a faster, furious middle section, culminating in a mash up of the two styles in a brilliant finish.

Written for Australian trumpeter David Elton (Principal Trumpet with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and formerly with the London Symphony Orchestra), it was premiered as part of an online soiree presented by the Sydney Symphony in September 2021. The Melbourne premiere will be given by Tristram Williams at a Melbourne Composer's League concert in 2023

The four immortals

4 brass soloists, brass ensemble

(ens = 3 tpt, 3 hn, 2 tbn, eupho, tb)

duration  12.00

The four immortals are Athena, Apollo, Zeus and Poseidon. In the original version commissioned by the Sydney International Brass Festival, the soloists were all low brass with a low brass ensemble. The regular brass ensemble arrangement can be performed with the original solo parts, or four orchestral brass soloists.

This piece involves funk improvisation, and a dialogue between soloists and the ensemble. The AvA Editions link below can be scrolled down for the different versions

A golden summer day

tpt, piano

duration  5.00

The warmth of a sunny day is the starting point for a brief ternary piece, written for advanced students. The work was commissioned by Muso's Media to be used as the Open test piece at the Victorian Band League annual State Championships. It can be performed on cornet or trumpet, and has also been arranged for trumpet and organ.

It has been included in the HSC and VCE syllabi for trumpet, and is now part of the syllabus for the AMEB Certificate of Performance

Melbourne mosaic

brass quintet

duration  19.00

Five iconic places in Melbourne, each in a different style.

Shrine - quiet rememberance for people who have lost their lives in wartime. Punt Road - the organised chaos of one of Australia's busiest roads. Arcades - Melbourne's famous shopping districts, and the fun of walking them. Botanic Gardens - a peaceful, green oasis outside downtown. Spire - the architectural brilliance of the arts precinct, Melbourne's beating cultural heart

Commissioned by Lyrebird Brass, and recorded by them on Common Tone Records

The old house

tb, piano

duration  6.00

Written for Australian tubist Per Forsberg, this piece is mostly a ballad in brass band style. It gives the tuba a rare chance to show off a dark, expressive tone. The piece has been the set work for solo contests at various championships. Recorded in the USA by Jeremy Crawford and Kevin Chance

Organica

tpt, tbn, acoustic gtr (+ effects pedals)

duration  9.00

Organic modes and gentle lines give way to a harsh, jazz dance. Improvisation in the horns, with reverb and delay pedals in the guitar part.

Commissioned by Ensemble Three, through the University of Melbourne. Premiered by Ensemble Three (Joel Brennan, Don Immel and Ken Murray) in China

Pipe music

orchestral brass, timp, organ

(brass = 3 tpt, 2 or 4 hn, 3 tbn, tb)

duration  3.00

A fanfare commissioned by the City of Melbourne, in which brass, timpani and pipe organ vie for supremacy! Brilliant and fiery, without using up the chops of the brass players for the rest of the concert.

Premiered by Orchestra Victoria, also performed at the Melbourne International Festival of Brass

Roadrunner

2 brass soloists, pno

(tpt, hn, euph, tb)

duration  7.00

Roadrunner portrays the never ending chase between the roadrunner bird and the wily coyote. Musically this is achieved through the use of canon and stretto, both funky and classical. Does the coyote ever catch up? Maybe...

Commissioned for two tubas and piano by Sérgio Carolino, premiered by him and Shimpei Tsugita with Rena Hashimoto on piano, at the Yamaha Studio in Ginza, Japan. This piece is published by Potenza Music in versions for trumpets, horns, euphoniums and tubas - and can be swapped into any combination. The link below can be scrolled down to the different versions

Salamander

brass soloist, pno

(tpt, hn, euph, tb)

duration  6.00

Another work where the soloist can be any one of 4 brass instruments, Salamander portrays the mythical regenerative qualities of its namesake. Several musical ideas are reborn in different ways, before a return to the original, funky groove

Commissioned for tuba and piano by Sérgio Carolino, and published in all combinations by Potenza Music. The link below can be scrolled down for the different versions

Suite for trumpet and organ

tpt, organ

duration  14.45

Neo-Baroque suite using older forms and techniques. The movements are Intrada, Passacaglia, Fantasia, Dolorosa, Cadenza and Indefatigueable. Written for Anthony Pope (Orchestra Victoria) and Dominic Perissinotto (Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane).

Trumpet concerto

tpt, piano

duration  18.00

This piece showcases the incredible spectrum of emotions the trumpet can convey, ranging from Classical to minimalism, from ballads to fanfares, culminating in a wild dance. Commissioned by ABC Classic through the ABC Fresh Start Fund, and dedicated to Australian trumpeter David Elton (Principal Trumpet with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra)

An ABC Classic recording of movement II can be seen below, played by David Elton and Tamara-Anna Cislowska. ABC Classic also recorded the trumpet and strings version, performed by David Elton and the Sydney String Virtuosi, conducted by Umberto Clerici. It can be found on ABC Music and is listed under Orchestra at the top of this page. The brass band version is also listed in the Band section

Drum 'n' bass

bass clar, drum kit

duration  8.30

Drum 'n' bass mostly refers to a style of electronic music beginning in the 90s. This piece explores drum 'n' bass, hip hop and techno grooves, using acoustic performers. It was written for Carl Rossman and Peter Neville, who premiered it for the Melbourne Composer's League

Duke's crusade

alto sax, piano

duration  8.00

A jazz / Classical hybrid for Michael Duke (University of Sydney), showcasing his skills across multiple genres. The opening theme is then developed to create most of the material in the piece. A driving ostinato in the piano underpins a quasi improvised section, until the theme returns.

This piece has been included in several exam syllabi, including AMEB and HSC

The pioneer

acoustic gtr

duration  17.00

A suite of five movements, each based on a Heidelberg School painting. They are Bailed Up (Tom Roberts), Obstruction Box Hill (Jane Sutherland), Lost (McCubbin), The Pioneer (McCubbin), and Still Glides The Stream (Streeton). Written for Ken Murray (University of Melbourne), who premiered the suite at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery.

Still Glides The Stream is available, the other movements are under revision

Urban songs

2 vln, vla, vc

duration  18.00

Life in an urban environment. Sometimes you’re alone in a crowd, sometimes there’s a lack of privacy; and sometimes you belong to something larger than yourself.

And There I Was - find your own rhythm amongst the noise of the city, find your place in the sights and sounds. Streetlights And Lost Souls - flickering streetlights stand sentinel over a lonely streetscape at night, home only to the homeless. The Union - the rhythm of the city, the racing of the trains, the tramping of the commuter army, the heartbeats of a million people.

The result of a Melbourne Recital Centre 'Local Heroes' commission, Urban Songs has been performed by the Letter String Quartet and Allotropy String Quartet. Silo String Quartet premiered the original version of And There I Was, and that movement is also the theme music for the Melbourne History Workshop's My Marvellous Melbourne podcast

Straight ahead

female voice

duration  3.50

Funk rock single for Speakeasy. Won the Soul and RnB category of the Voyager International Songwriting Contest, judged by Dami Im and Isaiah Firebrace. After receiving Amex Music Backer's funding, the single was recorded at Melbourne's iconic Sing Sing studios with Adam Rhodes (Cat Empire, Angus and Julia Stone). Mixed by Ryan Ritchie, mastered by Ivan Katchoyan, and published by Marshmallow Pavement

Dance baby dance

female voice

duration  3.00

Dance-pop / Euro-pop single. Placed in the Australian Songwriter's Association National Songwriting Competition

This is my time

voice, piano / orch

duration  5.00

An athlete's anthem, performed here by Belinda Parsons

The young prince Of Tyre

baritone, piano

duration  3.00

Setting of an Ern Malley poem. Part of a wider collection of vocal settings of these hoax poems by many different composers, published by Lyrebird Press in Melbourne

The coffee song

SSA / SAB / SATB choir, piano

duration  2.00

A lively homage to that marvellous bean, with words and music by Andrew Batterham. A very entertaining concert piece that always gets a great response from audience and choristers alike.

Written for Southern Voices, Melbourne, and frequently performed by them amongst others. Published by Sing Score, and recorded by the Composer's Choir in the USA. Use the link below, and scroll down to see the various arrangements available

Three psalms

SATB choir, organ / piano

duration  around 2 minutes each

Psalm settings suitable for use in secular or church occasions. Psalm 70 Save Me O God is fiery and exciting; 117 Praise the Lord All Nations is strong and steady, and 131 Lord I Have Given Up My Pride is dreamy and chromatic. Psalm 100 Make a Joyful Noise has also been set

Use the link below, and scroll down to see the Psalms

Gariwerd

Male choir, organ, marimba, vibraphone

duration  13 minutes

With words by Australian poet Gwenda Steff, this work portrays the European settlement of the Hamilton area and the upheaval to local culture that came with it. The story alternates from one viewpoint to another. Gariwerd is the local name for the Grampians, an important place to the Djab Warrung and Jardwadjali people

Commissioned by the Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music in 2006, and premiered in Hamilton by the Australian Chamber Choir directed by Douglas Lawrence

Weaving Hochkirch

SATB choir, rhythm sticks

duration  10 minutes

A celebration of the German-speaking townspeople of the early east Hamilton area, with words by Gwenda Steff. Sections cover the areas they came from, their home and farm building, and their creation of quilts and clothes. Musically the piece hints at the Lutheran hymn 'Ein feste Burg is unser Gott'

Commissioned by the Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music in 2007, premiered by the Australian Chamber Choir directed by Douglas Lawrence

Funkathon

big band

duration  6.00

Funk original. James Morrison and Yellowjacket legend Bob Mintzer both enjoyed playing this tune.

This chart has received performances from such diverse big bands as the Daryl MacKenzie Jazz Orchestra, the Matt Amy Really Big Band, and school bands such as Blackburn High School (who also included a DJ), and Camberwell High School (who included jazz legend James Morrison). Filthy electric guitar solo, followed by tenor sax. A lot of fun live

How to win the rat race

big band

duration  7.30

Funk original written for the Daryl MacKenzie Jazz Orchestra. This chart leans on the advanced capabilities of great musicians, with a big tenor solo and a passionate conclusion. Recorded by the DMJO on their album Scallywag. See Releases

Caprice

solo euphonium, brass band

duration  10.00

Three movement-variations on Paganini's Caprice no. 24 for solo euphonium and brass band. An arrangement of the original work for euphonium and piano, this version was premiered by Victoria Brass, conducted by Mark Ford.

The band version of Caprice has also been performed by Matt in the USA with the River City Band conducted by James Gourlay. The original euphonium and piano version has been recorded on Matt's CD Homeland, and is listed under Chamber music

Letters from Flanders

brass band

duration  13.00

An A grade test piece that portrays the Great War experiences of my maternal grandfather, Reginald Littlejhons (4th Machine Gun Battalion). He served in Flanders from 1916 to 1918, returning to Australia early in 1919. Each section of the piece is prefaced by words from his many letters, which range in tone from humerous to poignant and homesick. The photo of the ruins of Ypres is from his own camera, and forms the cover of the published work.

The first complete performance of the work was given by the Box Hill City Band in November 2019, conducted by Simon Brown at the Box Hill RSL in Melbourne. Box Hill also premiered the first movement at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl conducted by Matt van Emmerik. Several movements were performed on Anzac Day 2019 by Booroondara Brass, conducted by Daniel van Bergen.

Summit

brass band

duration  8.00

This is a powerful work, lifting from broad beginnings to an exciting climax. It was commissioned by the Hyde Street Youth Band with the assistance of the City of Maribyrnong Triennial grants programme. At the 2023 Auststralian National Band Championships in Newcastle, the band played the work as their Own Choice piece, winning the category as well as the championship overall

Trumpet Concerto

solo trumpet, brass band

duration  18.00

Brass band version of the Concerto, premiered by David Elton with Victoria Brass, conducted by Matt van Emmerik in 2022. A particularly interesting blend of solo C trumpet with the sonorities of a brass band. The video of the live stream is courtesy of Brass Banned

Trumpet and piano version listed under Chamber
Trumpet and strings version listed under Orchestra

Concertino

solo tuba, symphonic band

duration  13.00

An advanced work in two parts, showcasing the diverse talents of an extraordinary musician. Portuguese tubist Sérgio Carolino can play Classical, funk, be-bop and had a duo with a DJ. This piece consists of a traditional wind band ballad with a heartfelt climax, moving into a funk jam with drums and an extended improvisation for the soloist.

Premiered by Sérgio Carolino and the Banda Sinfónica Portuguesa conducted by Francisco Ferreira, during the 2015 São João Festival in Porto, Portugal. This piece won the Harvey Phillips Award for composition at the ITEC conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Sergio has also performed Concertino in Spain and Mexico. The Australian premiere was by Per Forsberg with the Grainger Wind Symphony, conducted by Roland Yueng. The USA premiere was by Mike Forbes in 2019 at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, conducted by Callum Lucas.

The piano reduction is listed under Chamber music

On to the field

symphonic band, organ

duration  13.00

A large work celebrating the birth of Australia's independence movement at the Eureka Stockade. One of the founders of the Ballarat Reform League, Timothy Hayes, penned some inspirational words to be read aloud at the Monster Meeting on Bakery Hill just before the uprising; it is from these words the title is taken.

Commissioned by the City of Melbourne. Premiered by the Royal Australian Air Force Band, conducted by Squadron Leader Steve Wright

Vanguard

concert band

duration  6.00

A concert opener in traditional ABA form. This piece contains everything a band needs in performance; brilliant fanfares, smooth inner sections, and exciting percussion work. It has been performed by a variety of bands, including the Grainger Wind Symphony in Melbourne.

Commissioned by Caulfield Grammar School Melbourne for their European tour

Winter music

piano

duration  24.00

Part of a Four Seasons piano project. Inspired by Western poetry on the subject of winter, including works by Walter De La Mare and William Blake. The opening and closing movements recall the sound of bells tolled in the distance, a nod to the snowy winter landscapes of Caspar Freidrich

In 2020 Winter Music was a semi-finalist in the Musica Prospettiva call for scores, chosen from over 400 entries from around the world. This recording is by Melbourne based musician and educator Emma Cutting

Spring music

piano

duration  25.00

Inspired by Indigenous Australian concepts relating to the arrival of spring. Down from Corhanwarrabul depicts the slow procession down into spring lowlands by the Wurrundjeri people, as well as acting as a metaphor for the extermination of their culture. Orchid Season is a lively depiction of flora coming to life, and Birrarung Marr respectfully portrays a meeting of cultures and families by the river.

The composition of this piece was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. The composer wishes to acknowledge the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, and the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council for their advice on matters involving Woi-wurrung words and the Wurundjeri culture

The development of this piece was generously helped by the skills of Melbourne based pianist, Natasha Lin

Out there

pipe organ

duration  2.45

Commissioned for the opening of the International Astronomical Union's Genreral Assembly, Sydney. A colourful, descriptive event opener depicting mankind's study of the stars, contrasting modes and altered scales with common chord tonality.

Premiered by Robin Batterham on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall organ. Recorded at Scot's Church, Melbourne

Organ sonata 1

pipe organ

duration  12.30

This piece utilises developmental variation form. The opening theme is developed in Variation 1, then each succeeding variation is based on the last. This allows for the organic exploration of an idea across the whole sound spectrum of a pipe organ, with the Postlude unrelated to the Thema yet arrived at through a logical musical journey

Written for organist and scientist Robin Batterham, the work was premiered by him at Ormond College Chapel, Melbourne, in 1995. Other performances include the Sydney Organ Competition and at St Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle by Dominic Perissinotto, who also generously typeset the original score

Organ sonata 2

pipe organ

duration  15.00

Cyclic sonata based on tritones, and the way they can release harmony in different directions. Classical elements such as Lydian mode, whole tone scales and augmented chords are blended with contemporary thinking, including tritone substitutions, minimalism, and cluster chords.

Written for Australian organist Dominic Perissinotto, the work was premiered by him at St Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle in 2023