Cowie: Where Song Was Born

Featuring

Roderick Chadwick
Sara Minelli
Edward Cowie

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Historical Context

Modern ornithology, the systematic study of birds, initially assumed birdsong originated in the Northern Hemisphere, but new data now suggests its origins are in Australia.

Performer Biography

Flautist Sara Minelli collaborated directly with composer Edward Cowie, assisting him with advanced flute performance techniques and suggesting solutions for sonic and technical challenges.

Instruments

The composer chose flute and piano for this Australian bird cycle because the flute is an ancient instrument integral to Australian Aboriginal instrumental music, and its timbre is closer to Australian birdsong.

Recording & Production

This recording was refused financial assistance by The Arts Council of England but received funding support from Dr John Hogg OAM and Linde Hogg OAM, to whom it is dedicated.

Composition History

Edward Cowie's 'Where Song was Born' is a cycle of 24 Australian bird portraits for flute(s) and piano, following a previous cycle for violin and piano called 'Bird Portraits'.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Composer Edward Cowie's childhood in the wilds of Suffolk and the Cotswolds led him to form a deep connection with nature, especially birdsongs, which he could imitate.

Composer Biography

Edward Cowie, considered a leading composer inspired by the natural world, integrates his studies in Physics and Painting into his music, translating scientific theory and visual arts into sound.