Vocal, Choral, Art Song
| Work | Instrumentation | Difficulty/Level | Work Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look to This Day |
| Advanced | 3min 30sec |
| Stay Awhile |
| Medium-Advanced | 4min |
| Resonance |
| Advanced | 5min |
| Skylark |
| Advanced | 3min |
| Interlude |
| Medium | 3min |
| Waltzing Matilda |
| Advanced | 4min |
| Noel Day |
| Medium | 4min |
| A Touch of Christmas |
| Medium | 4min |
Browse Scores
Look to This Day
Look to This Day weaves between the two worlds of jazz and classical music. It features a richly coloured harmonic palette typical of jazz artists like Kurt Elling, whilst paying homage to the traditions of French mélodie (art songs) such as those by Reynaldo Hahn. During the composition process, Greenaway was particularly interested in exploring the intertwining of the vocal line and the piano accompaniment. This results in both parts sharing the spotlight throughout the piece. The vocal part is challenging but in many ways quite cantabile, and the piano accompaniment is detailed with moments of shimmering and restrained grandeur.
The piece's lyrics are loosely based on an English translation of the poem 'Look to This Day' by Kālidāsa (India, c. 5th Century CE):
Look to this day, for it is life, it's life! The very life of life.
In its brief course lies the truth of one's existence.
The bliss of growth. the glory of action.
The splendour of achievement are but experiences of time.
For yesterday is but a dream, and today well-lived makes tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore this day. Such is the welcome to the ever new dawn.
Stay Awhile
This evocative piece was written as a gift for Woden Valley Youth Choir (scored for SA with a stunning, reflective piano accompaniment). It has since been re-arranged for a capella SATB divisi, for Luminescence Chamber Choir.
The lyrics are about overcoming adversity or difficult times: to comfort and inspire when feeling lost or caught up in life's events.
"If the moon goes out I will light a star,
and brighten up your heart.
If you're feeling down,
I will raise you up and hold you close awhile."
Resonance
Resonance explores the process of a little note growing into the power of song, with lyrics by Kirsten Duncan. The work celebrates the unifying and transformative power of song, showcasing the beauty and passion of a capella voices. Greenaway brings musical life and imagery to the Duncan's poem. Greenaway was free to explore more colourful composition techniques such as clusters and featured moments for soloists. The work is inspired loosely on the musical styles of Reynaldo Hahn and Eric Whitacre.
Range: Soprano 1 to high Bb, Bass 2 to low Eb
Skylark
This introspective a-capella vocal work features lyrics from the poem A Green Cornfield by Christina Rosetti (1830-1894). The piece features a beautifully unfolding opening before exploring the darker palette of sumptuous harmony akin to Poulenc.
Interlude
Originally written for the female jazz vocal quartet Clever Sunday, this piece has been performed at music festivals and concerts around Australia. It is a fun up-beat ‘scat’-style (vocalise) piece, with an ostinato bassline. It features an improvisation section (which has been fully scored but could equally be improvised to good effect). There are several versions of the piece available – for SATB vocal ensemble, instrumental quartet, and flexible jazz ensemble.
Waltzing Matilda
The piece incorporates a rich blench of jazz, classical and pop into this popular Australian folk song. The melody and harmony have been re-imagined to become more lyrical, and includes a new bridging passage in a quasi-jazz style to build the piece into the final verse. This arrangement has been inspired by Rajaton's 'Butterfly' and 'Dobbin's Flowery Vale'.
Noel Day
A new Australian Christmas Carol with lyrics by Tanya Kiermaier that portray Christmas in Australia. The piece centres on what Christmas means to many Australian children and Australian families - from the City to the Bush.
A Touch of Christmas
A new Australian Christmas Carol with lyrics by Tanya Kiermaier that portray Christmas in Australia. The piece centres on what Christmas means to many Australian children and Australian families - from the City to the Bush.
