The Australian symphony of the 1950s: a preliminary survey

Paper

McNeill, Rhoderick J.. 2004. "The Australian symphony of the 1950s: a preliminary survey." USQ Toowoomba and Postgraduate Research Forum (2004). Toowoomba, Australia
Paper/Presentation Title

The Australian symphony of the 1950s: a preliminary survey

Presentation TypePaper
Authors
AuthorMcNeill, Rhoderick J.
Number of Pages18
Year2004
Conference/EventUSQ Toowoomba and Postgraduate Research Forum (2004)
Event Details
USQ Toowoomba and Postgraduate Research Forum (2004)
Event Location
Toowoomba, Australia
Brisbane, Australia
Abstract

Many symphonies were composed in Australia during the 1950s but these works are either neglected or unknown today. The Commonwealth Jubilee Symphony Competition of 1950-51 and the development of orchestras in each state of Australia sparked what could be termed Australia's 'Symphonic Decade'. Some of these symphonies attempted to project Australian nationalism.
This paper examines significant examples of this repertoire – including works by Hill, Douglas, Antill, Le Gallienne Hanson and Hughes – and its subsequent neglect. The writer urges a new look at these symphonies of the 1950s in light of the current revival of the symphony amongst present day Australian composers.

KeywordsAustralia; symphony orchestra; composers; 1950's
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020360302. Music composition and improvisation
430302. Australian history
360306. Musicology and ethnomusicology
Public Notes

This paper was submitted to Musicology Australia in May 2004 but was unsuccessful. However, it has been quoted in journal articles, a book chapter and in notes accompanying commercial CDs.

Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Arts
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