Inland

Michael Houstoun

2008 CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Double CD )

Available to DOWNLOAD or as a PRINT-ON-DEMAND CD

This two-disc album features music composed for solo piano by contemporary New Zealand composers, Douglas Lilburn, Kenneth Young, John Psathas, Victoria Kelly, Gao Ping and Mike Nock. The videos below were made by filmmaker Keith Hill. They document the making of this album, discuss Michael Houstoun’s process and philosophy, and feature complete performances of a number of the compositions.

"I have very few musical prejudices, but I made a philosophical decision some years ago to stay in New Zealand and to seek out composers here, preferably men and women I know. This music would be local, it would be mine, and it would be Kiwi. The composers on this album still believe in harmony and rhythm, and they like themes. From the very first bar, I can actually develop something. As a musician, these are the things I enjoy."
Michael Houstoun, 2007

Produced by Kenneth Young
Engineered by Steve Garden
Design by UnkleFranc

VIEW VIDEOS

Released: 13 December 2007
Catalogue: RAT-D016

“Rugged harmonies and dazzling virtuosics seem to catch the gleaming clarity of nature... extremely approachable music which runs from questioning toccata to Dutilleux-like mists... Houstoun drives this volatile score through clangorous climaxes to interludes in which imaginary dancers relax between their exertions... a frenetic workout that tests pianist and engineer Steve Garden; both come out with shining colours. In 1997, Rattle produced Dan Poynton’s epoch-defining piano collection, ‘You Hit Him He Cry Out’ – 10 years on, Houstoun’s ‘Inland’ is the perfect update.”

— William Dart, NZ Herald