Listen

‘Wernal’ by Paula Child

Wernal (pronounced Wunnel) is the local name for the rural Bucks village of Worminghall, near the Bernwode Forest, where Henry VIII used to hunt. In his book 'Farmer Giles of Ham' JRR Tolkein suggests that the 'worm' element of the name derives from the dragon in his story.

‘Allemande’ by Brittany Lum

This is Brittany’s first composition! A thrilling piece in the style of Bach.

‘Romance’ by Kimberly Reid

This is Kimberly's first composition for guitar, so moving and full of depth.

‘Fugue in E Minor’ by Trisha Budd

A beautifully moving Fugue featuring lyrical grace and gorgeous counterpoint.

Fellowship of the Fugues by Ilay Kenes

Three highly absorbing and wonderfully crafted Fugues.

‘Inspiration’ by Deb Covell

An electrifying and evocative tango piece by Australian composer, Deb Covell.

Christmas Waltz by Ilay Kenes

A lively and fun Christmas Waltz by Ilay Kenes!

‘Autumn Fades’ by Shane Jones

Shane is a composer and visual artist based in Ballarat, Australia. His music is evocative and whimsical, often based on stories, nature and other themes.

Last Flight Out by Paul Horn

A new composition in a sweet contemporary style. What does this piece make you think of? Paul based this work on 1 Cor. 15:50-57; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 21:1-5

‘Rainy Reflections ’ by Ilay Kenes

Ilay wrote this piece as a response to a composition challenge on CCG in June, 2022 "The whole piece is based around a 4-note motif, which I've developed and played around with in many different ways. I wanted to evoke the feeling of different rainy patterns, ranging from light rain with little droplets in tiny puddles, to proper downpours. It reminded me of the tropical showers I've experienced in Cuba, sometimes coming out of nowhere, sometimes drizzling so lightly you can hardly feel it." --- Ilay Kenes

‘A Dozen & One Christian Dispositions’ by Clinton Ruyg

The first installment of 'A Dozen & One Christian Dispositions' for Solo Classical Guitar and Spoken Word.

‘Midnight Swing’ by Jamal Shamas

This virtuosic work incorporates many sophisticated compositional techniques including transposition, modulation, sequences, texture changes, effects and more. It all blends together to make a very moving, exciting and intricate Choro.

‘November in Melbourne’ by Gill Robinson

One of Gill’s first ever works for guitar, showcasing her unique compositional language. Gill’s music is intricate, yet whimsical and evocative, using colorful harmonies and shimmering textures.

‘Melancholy Fugue’ by George Jenner

A Fugue of epic proportions, fantasy like and perhaps the first ever to feature tremolo! This work takes you on a wonderful adventure, displaying brilliant inventiveness from a simple theme. Composed Sep-Oct of 2022.

‘Serenade No.1’ by Richard Verdugo

A beautiful Spanish influenced piece with modern harmonies blended into an exquisite composition.

‘Allemande’ by David Reynolds

A beautiful and upbeat Allemande, composed during September-October of 2022.

New Fugues: Composed by CCG Members

1) Fugue by Chris Dowle

2) Fugue in E Minor by Trisha Budd

3) Fugue by Rick Alexander

4) Fellowship of the Fugues by Ilay Kenes

5) Fudgy Fugue by Colleen Billington

6) Melancholy Fugue by George Jenner

7) Group Fugue by various members of CCG

8) Fugue by Daniel Nistico

‘Dusk’ by Rick Alexander

The third and final movement from Rick Alexander's 'Light Moves' suite. Rick Alexander is a composer and guitarist based in Melbourne, Australia. His music blends classical and contemporary styles, combined with intricate minimalistic ideas that morph into different shades and colors.

‘Fugue’ by Daniel Nistico

During September-October, we're learning to write Fugues on The Creative Classical Guitarist. I was so inspired by the many Fugues that have been written, that this one flowed out suddenly, with the opening melody (called a subject) based on a little transitional tune from Rick Alexander's Fugue.

‘Prelude’ by Will Glen

Will took the introduction to composition course and wrote this gem in 1 month - it’s his first ever piece! Very contrapuntal, Bach inspired but with modern flavors.

‘Irish Tune from County Derry’ arranged by Malcolm Perris

From the arranger Malcolm Perris: “Percy Grainger reworked the "Irish Tune From County Derry" at least 5 times. I have reworked his piano arrangement he did for his mother and dedicated to Edward Grieg, published in his book "British Folk Music Settings". The original key has been changed with a retuning of the 6th string to "D". I have tried to notate piano flourishes as much as possible on the guitar, as well as adding intrinsic guitar effects such as harmonics to bring new life to this work.”

Piano Sonata No.2 ‘Autumn’ by Ilay Kenes

An exquisite piano sonata composed by Ilay!

‘Sketches of My Saviour’ by Clinton Ruyg

An achingly beautiful theme and variations work by Melbourne based composer, Clinton Ruyg, written for the Glory of God. Each variation is based on a scripture, which is teased out through spoken word, delivered by Clinton.

Shall We Dance by Mark Barrett

Mark is based in the UK and wrote this as a response to a composition challenge in August, 2022. The piece contains many beautifully contrasting sections.

Time by Rick Alexander

"Time" has contrasting calm, melodic and joyously energetic sections. I called the piece "Time" because of the repeating bass note pattern of two notes per second at the start and end of the piece and also in parts of the middle. This pattern reminded me of the ever ongoing march of time. --- Rick Alexander

Fantasie du Printempts by Elise Hermans

This is one of Elise’s first every compositions!!! It’s based on a classical piece by Sor, but uses a very inventive structure, ending with a slow and haunting song (Aria).

Blue by Rick Alexander

“It starts off with an eighth note riff changing between D Major and D Minor. Then the eighth note pattern continues right through the piece.”

Rick is a member of CCG and records his own compositions.

Birdie Breakdown by Rachel Badlan

This is Rachel’s FIRST EVER COMPOSITION!! A very creative and inventive piece, imitating bird sounds and gestures.

“Dedicated to all the noisy avian neighbours in our garden.”

Landscape by Ilay Kenes

Ilay is a gifted musician who first started composing after taking my online composition course in 2020. He has now developed a portfolio of over 40 pieces for guitar and piano.

“Ilay composed ‘Landscape’ to evoke the feeling you get when you’re taking a car ride on a country road and you discover all these new landscapes surrounding you. It is a calm piece interspersed with more passionate sections.”

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Lullaby for G by John Michailidis

This is John’s second ever composition - an absolutely divine piece!

‘Mourning After the Garden’ by Paul Horn

A beautiful composition, which uses a repeating bass motive with open triads.

It was inspired by two Bible scriptures: “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” --- Romans 8:23

“For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.” --- 2 Corinthians 5:4

For the Children of Ukraine

PROGRAM

1) 'Hope' by Ilay Kenes: 0:00

2) 'For Ukraine' by Paavo Jumppanen: 3:50

3) 'The Insanity of War' by Deborah Covell: 6:18

4) 'Sunflower' by Kevin Toller: 8:15

5) 'War, Pain & Death: Ukrainian Lament' by Alejandro Meija Sanchez: 11:29

6) 'Song for the Ukraine' by Colleen Billington: 16:14

7) 'Prelude for Ukraine' by David Hole: 20:27

8) 'Lagrima del Dragon' by George Jenner: 24:03

9) 'Somnium Pace' by Tom Chalko (and performed by Tom Chalko): 27:50

10) 'Transcendence' by Jamal Shamas: 33:58

11) 'Vigil' by Gillian Robinson: 39:34

12) 'One Day You Will be Free' by Mark Barrett: 45:31

13) 'A Wish' by Rick Alexander: 49:06

14) 'Misha's Lament' by Trisha Budd: 51:40

15) 'Prayer' by Brittany Lum: 56:53

Preludes and Tangos

Preludes

Two Preludes by Clinton Ruyg: 3:59

• You will be deeply and spiritually moved by these works, composed by Melbourne based guitarist Clinton.

• 'The Pilgrim' develops a stepping motive that depicts the steps of someone's spiritual journey.

• 'Fervent Cries' uses a driving and relentless texture, with unconventional key changes that bring you on an adventure from desperate cries to tears of joy and victory.

Two Preludes by Tom Chalko: 17:00

• You will be immersed in a beautiful soundscape, created by Australian composer Tom Chalko.

• 'Lyrebird Song' depicts a lyrebird through the use of rapid arpeggios and other unusual gestures, harmonies and melodies.

• 'Echoes' playfully draws you in with repeating phrases and sections that echo each other, interspersed with gorgeous tremolo sections.

Prelude in A and Prelude in B: 33:06

• 'Prelude in A Minor' is by Melbourne based composer, Brittany Lum. Like many pieces in A Minor (think of Recuerdos de la Alhambra for example), it evokes tenderness and quiet melancholy.

• 'Prismatic Prelude (in B Minor)' is by UK based composer, Gillian Robinson. It's sensitive and whimsical, drawing you into a place where time stands still.

Tangos:

• 'Rainy Day Tango' (42:54) is by Sydney based composer, George Jenner. It begins with a bittersweet and melodious section, followed by a dramatic and intense middle section. George used many compositional techniques, such as inversion, retrograde, pivot chord key changes and more.

• 'Autumn Tango' (47:43) was composed by UK guitarist, Colleen Billington. It's highly intricate, yet strongly sultry character will captivate you during every moment.

• Paula Child's 'Tango' (52:00) will knock your socks off with crunchy dissonances and unpredictable rhythms that will keep you on your toes.

• 'Tango Time' is by Ilay Kenes (56:12), an 11 year old child prodigy based in the UK. This tango will make you want to dance!

Surprise Piece

Maillardet’s Automaton comes to Life by Shane Jones: 1:00:50

• This is by composer and visual artist, Shane Jones. Shane is a remarkable painter and composer, who has a gift for capturing very specific scenes and moods into sound. In addition to hearing his composition, you'll also get to see his artwork that's closely tied to the music.

Lockdown Allemandes

Allemande 1: Trisha Budd

Allemande 2: Ian Pollard

Allemande 3: Ilay Kenes

Allemande 4: Paula Child

Allemande 5: Brittany Lum

22 New Pieces Composed During Lockdown

Introductory Course Compositions -

Waltz For Jennifer by Nigel Jones: 3:40

The Secret Mirror by Greg Smart: 6:08

Oriental Song by Issam Ibrahim: 8:50

Solace by Rick Alexander: 11:42

Prelude 'Beax Jours' by Kevin Toller: 14:52

By the River by Paul Ryan: 16:42

The Butterfly by Daniel Vila-Domini: 22:16

Study No.2 by George Jenner: 28:44

The Sleepers by Daniel Armstrong: 32:10

Study by Paul Copeland: 36:29

Elegi by Paavo Jumppanen: 39:07

Advanced Course Pieces -

Mazurka-Choros by Paula Child: 45:38

Lullaby for G by John Michailidis: 49:36

Distraction by Yvonne Grunder: 55:08

Blossoming (Minuet and Trio) by Ilay Kenes: 58:09

Drifting by Cilla Kinross: 1:02:34

Study After Torroba by Chris Dowle: 1:06:00

Handling Water by Shirley Allot: 1:08:35

Dance of the Shadows by Byron Grant-Preece: 1:11:45

Camino de la Luz by Trisha Budd: 1:14:34

Prelude and Dance by Tom Chalko: 1:19:55

2020, From Bushfires to Pandemic: 1:29:24

Lockdown Mazurkas. Composed in 2021

Sonatas and Serenades

Program:

Sonata by Trisha Budd

Sonata by Ilay Kenes

Ghost Rondo by Colleen Billington

Inspiration by Deb Covell

Song for Daisy and Other Pieces by Gillian Robinson

Aotearoa Variations by Ian Pollard

Program

NIGHT

• Moonlight on Water by Shane Jones

• Lullaby for Henry by David Reynolds

• Study no.01 by Trisha Budd

• Moonrise by Gillian Robinson

• Prelude for a Better Time by Julie Watson

• A Memory by Ruth Pitts

• Maybe This Time Around by Debrah Covell

DAY

• Light Moves Suite by Rick Alexander

1) Dawn

2) Noon

3) Dusk

• La Cumparsita by Gerardo Hernan "Becho" Matos Rodriguez (arr. Tom Chalko)

• Wave Goodbye to the Crowd by Mark Barrett

• Irish Tune from County Derry (a.k.a. Danny Boy) (arr. Malcolm Perris)

• Birdie Breakdown by Rachel Badlan

• Landscape by Ilay Kenes