Michael Lampard as “the soldier” in James Humberstone’s song cycle The Weight of Light, words by Nigel Featherstone. Alan Hicks plays prepared piano.
Music for solo instruments or voice (sometimes with accompaniment) by James Humberstone
Empathy in the time of division (viola & electronics)
JamesHumbers · Empathy in a time of division My submission for the 2020 “Art Has To Be Contagious” installation in Tübingen, Germany, Empathy in a time of division is for electronics with solo viola and delay. [See art-has-to-be-contagious.com for more.] Live viola performed by the wonderful Connor Malanos. Please contact me if you’d like to perform this piece (for both the score and the “tape”).
Keep readingThe Weight of Light (Song Cycle)
Australia’s participation in the war in Afghanistan is the nation’s longest ever military involvement. What happens when an Australian soldier, who is carrying a dark secret, is forced to confront the full force of the family that he left behind? Nigel Featherstone A song cycle commissioned by the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium of Music with The Street Theatre, and premiered at The Street in 2018, with further performances in Sydney and Goulburn.…
Keep readingThe Speaking Piano (2012)
An outreach project for the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium of Music, premiered by Michael Kieran Harvey. Includes music for beginner and intermediate piano players, a classroom (pitched and unpitched percussion) arrangement, and concert music for a professional. Associated resources include an illustrated story book, a free eBook for iPad and a webapp. The Speaking Piano has its own website – click here to visit it. The video below is an introduction to…
Keep readingConcertino for Double Bass (2010)
Double Bass and small String Orchestra, but piano reduction is available for the second and third movements. Commissioned by MLC School for Aurora Henrich. Download a sample of the score.
Keep readingthree snapshots from the old man (2006)
Clarinet in B flat, Cello, Piano. Three short programmatic pieces written after climbing the Old Man of Coniston, close to where I grew up and went to school. Composed as a Christmas gift to my father and mother-in-law, who play cello and clarinet. Download a complete score, free I’d very much like a recording of this piece, so please send me one if you perform it!
Keep readingPiano Piece 1 1 06 (2006)
Piano. Here, have a free copy of the score. Here’s a link to one of those online score things from Sibelius, alternatively.
Keep readingAftertrace (2003)
Solo Drum Kit, Timpani, Vibraphone with String Orchestra. Commissioned and premiered by Sydney Grammar Prep School, St Ives. This piece is also available as a short solo violin work. Download a sample of the score.
Keep readingA entendu les deux voies (2002)
Piano. Please, have a free score. And, there’s a recording, by the wonderful Andrew Robbie.
Keep readingPiano Piece 16 4 01 (2001)
Piano. Dedicated to Nick Vines. Download the score here, and a lovely recording by Andrew Robbie is below.
Keep reading3 Miniatures About Ma (2001)
Three short piano pieces composed when I discovered my mother had terminal cancer and a three month prognosis. The following performance is by Andrew Robbie. The harmony of the third movement was reused in the Agnus Dei of my Requiem which was composed in memory of my mother. Download the complete score.
Keep readingSally (2001)
Words by Robertson Fox. Any voice with piano accompaniment. Download a score here.
Keep readingCelebration II (2000)
Piano. Three short movements composed for the 18th birthday of my cousin. Download a score here, and enjoy the lovely performance by Andrew Robbie below.
Keep readingResponse (2000)
Cello with Piano accompaniment. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingPiano Piece 6 4 00 (2000)
Piano. Dedicated to Howard Skempton. The two sections can be repeated as many times as the performer chooses. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingEvgenia (2000)
Double Bass with Piano accompaniment. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingTristasis 2 (1999)
Piano. Composed after a day climbing Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Like the original Tristasis, the meaning of the title is three still pieces. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingAnd Though We Never Spoke (1996)
Viola. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingReflection (1996)
Piano right hand. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep readingFive Short Poems Set To Music (1995)
Words by James Gleeson. Tenor with Piano accompaniment. Download the complete score.
Keep readingKills for Loving (1987)
Oboe with Piano accompaniment. Contact James for further details and a sample score.
Keep reading
James Humberstone 