CD:Out of the Blowing Sands
Reviewed by Dr. Rita Crews for the Music Teacher's association of New South Wales Quarterly Journal Vol.7 No. 4 (November 2001)
Two delightful titles which conjure up something out of the ordinary, these CDs are the first releases dedicated to Phillip Wilcher's piano music and contain in all, some 24 works, many of which are collections within themselves.
A most prolific composer - in fact, these CDs are representative of only some of his piano works- Wilcher's music shows an extraordinary sense of symmetry and beauty, often with a delicate blending of exotic harmonic structures and rhythmic patterns; the whole complimented on these CDs by the performances of Jeanell Carrigan. Wilcher's overall style is multi-layered and he draws inspiration from such diverse elements as folk-music, Lisztian chordal structures, the sounds of the orient, modal and whole-tone harmonies, ostinatos, and various other devices to create exotic sounds that are often programmatic.
The lilting quaver patterns of the title work 'Arabesque 'parallel the intricate figures associated with traditional arabesque decorations, whilst the almost Debussy-like harmonies of 'The Walls of Ukhaydir' depict the oriental atmosphere of that particular collection. Dedicated to Jeanell Carrigan, the gentle 'Kumoi Prelude' with its modal harmonies and bell-like section is utter delight;whilst the relentless ostinato structures of the programmatic 'Seachange' with its rippling middle section, conjure up visions of waves breaking on the shore. 'Paper Lanterns' from 'Chinoiserie' is a delicate, almost fragile work that compliments its partner pieces 'White Jade' and 'Limestone Pillars'. Other works on this CD include 'Cobwebs', 'The Sphinx and the Sycamore','Probe','Catacombs' and 'Tarantella'.
'Out of the Blowing Sands' contains the title work with its guitar-like Spanish character and 'Chiaroscuro', light and shade - is depicted in the three diatonic works of this collection whilst 'Toccata', constructed in triplet figuration contains a relentless rhythmic buoyancy, typical of toccata style. Dedicated to Dulcie Holland, 'Chopiniana' is Wilcher's tribute to Chopin who, along with Liszt, (represented by 'Consolation')is one of his own favourites; the Chopinesque structures of the work are proof indeed of his influence. The mysterious 'Apparition' is a complete change of pace; and 'Cafe Bijou' puts one in mind of a scene around a cafe on the streets of Paris. 'Out of the Blowing Sands' contains seven other works including 'Haiga','Continual Dew', 'Salome', 'Valse Renoir', 'Fueilleton', 'Mist Shrouded Mountains' and 'Batik Nights'.
The clear, impeccable performances by Jeanell Carrigan only serve to highlight the sensitive and idiomatic keyboard writing of the composer. The CDs have been very well produced; my only criticism being the absence of liner notes that would serve as valuable explanatory text. A fully represented composer, Phillip Wilcher's works are readily available at the Australian Music Centre. He writes for a diversity of instruments as well as Early Childhood material and his very pianistic works are musically accessible to students as well as to teachers. Both CDs are highly recommended, particularly for those exploring the sounds and influences of Australian piano works post-1975.
Reviewed by Dr. Rita Crews
