Curves on the Great Ocean Road
for solo violin (2002)
duration: 2’
GRT • 092
score available from
Australian Music Centre
note: this solo is also part of a larger collection – Occasional Pieces
program note
Curves on the Great Ocean Road was commissioned by Matthew Hindson as part of a collection of one-page violin miniatures written about, or inspired by a person, place or thing connected with Australia. I decided to write a piece to celebrate the 50th birthday of my very good friend and colleague, Brenton Broadstock. Further to that, I chose to reflect a wonderful part of the Victorian coastline, the Great Ocean Road, in deference to his passion and pride in all things Victorian.
The musical depiction of this winding stretch of road is represented by phrases that loop and fold back, slowing through hairpin bends and accelerating on the brief straights. The piece was premiered by Marianne Rothschild at the Wintyre Recital Gallery in November of 2002.