Lilburn Alert - Guitar Music on Naxos

At this late date, I thought I had heard all the music composed by Douglas Lilburn, one of my favorite 20th century composers.  But the New Zealander had surprises in store, and all admirers of his music can thank Naxos for having recorded his music for solo guitar with Gunter Herbig on a new release.  Because Lilburn's guitar music amounts to about 35 minutes, they have filled out the disc with music by another New Zealand composer, a slightly younger contemporary of Lilburn named David Farquhar, some of whose music I have also head before (but none for the guitar).

It seems form the program notes enclosed with the disc that there is a tradition of guitar music by New Zealand composers inspired by the emigration in the late 1950s of an English guitar virtuoso, Ronald Burt, and in the 1960s Emile Bibobi, and then later John Mills.  The arrival of guitarists, who taught in the NZ music schools, inspired the local composers to begin composing music for the instrument.  Over the course of the 1960s, Lilburn, who was otherwise fully engaged in exploring electronic music, spun out 17 pieces for guitar, which were collected in an album for Burt in 1975.  This is claimed to be their first complete recording.  In addition, Herbig has uncovered several unpublished pieces, including transcriptions of the Four Canzonas for string orchestra.  From Farquhar, there is a five-movement suite and a fantasy called "Prospero Dreaming."

The Brazilian-born Herbig has been one of the many fine contributors to Naxos's large collection of solo guitar recordings.  Since he lives and teaches in New Zealand, this disc is a natural for him, and the performances seem quite fine.  On a first listen, I would say that Lilburn's characteristic harmonic and rhythmic tropes seem to be missing from many of these pieces.  The particular character of the guitar inspired him to explore new genres.  I think he makes less use than he might of the instruments abilities for harmony and counterpoint, but everything here is interesting, and those who appreciate his music should find much to enjoy.  The Farquhar pieces made less of an impression on first hearing, but everything on the disc seems user-friendly and I look forward to listening again and becoming better acquainted with this music.

Thank-you, Naxos, for all Lilburn-admirers.