Michael Morton-Evans Archives

Maurice Ravel – The most private of persons

Classical Fine Music Magazine Michael Morton-Evans

The 150th anniversary of the birth of the French composer Maurice Ravel was marked on 7 March 2025. A bizarre, sexless man interested largely in his own privacy, he was the son of a father who, despite having won first prize for piano at the Geneva Conservatory, elected to make his living as a mechanical engineer of considerable ingenuity.

Illuminate – Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra

CD Reviews Classical Michael Morton-Evans

What a blessing to classical music lovers is the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, the brain child of the late Richard Gill, and now led by co-artistic director, conductor, director and concertmaster, Rachael Beesley.

The words behind Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Classical Fine Music Magazine Michael Morton-Evans

Since the dawn of time music has been used to accompany dance and storytelling, so it comes as no surprise that composers started producing what we know as ‘program music’, music written to depict various activities, or even certain moods and emotions. Pastoral scenes were a particular favourite, as were storms and birdlife.

CD Review – Threnody

CD Reviews Classical Michael Morton-Evans

If you dislike contemporary piano music you’ll hate this CD. On the other hand, if you are a lover of the likes of Keith Humble and John McCaughey, you’re going to absolutely love it. Entitled Threnody, the title taken from the fifth of Carl Vine’s Five Bagatelles, this collection was first released 30 years ago by the Astra Chamber Music Society in Melbourne.

Where have you been all these years?

CD Reviews Classical Michael Morton-Evans

This is a collection of traditional folk music from England, Ireland, Scotland and (strangely) Sweden given what I can only describe as an intellectual 21st century polish by these three gifted classical musicians. The result is mixed. Claire Patti has a beautiful voice, perfectly attuned to these folk songs, but on occasion the sweetness overcomes the meaning, as in the first track Sweet Lemany.

Chopin’s 4 Ballades, Barcarolle and Impromptus

CD Reviews Classical Michael Morton-Evans

Pianist Alexander Boyd, scion of the amazingly prolific and talented Boyd family, has broken away from the fascination with and love of Spanish piano composition that dominated his past three recordings to share with us his lifelong love of Chopin.

Gabriel Fauré: The French Schumann

Fine Music Magazine Michael Morton-Evans

November 2024 marked the centenary of the death of the French composer, Gabriel Fauré. The man was something of an enigma, largely regarded as easy-going and friendly, but essentially a recluse.

The Unfortunate Eclipse of Peter Cornelius

Fine Music Magazine Michael Morton-Evans

Carl Peter Cornelius loved both poetry and music, but truth be told he never really excelled at either and that was largely because what talent he had was drained in his lifetime by his work attending to, first Franz Liszt then to Richard Wagner.

The inside story is finally out

50th Anniversary Celebration Michael Morton-Evans

This unique book written by Michael Morton-Evans celebrates 2MBS' 50th anniversary by taking a deep dive into various aspects of 2MBS, including the often-overlooked archives cupboard, and features interviews with many dedicated volunteers.

What to look forward to in 2025

2025 Events Classical Michael Morton-Evans

Michael Morton-Evans highlights key upcoming musical events, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th anniversary and Richard Tognetti’s 35 years as leader, featuring Brahms' Violin Concerto. Also, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s exciting program and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra's impressive lineup promise memorable performances in the year ahead.