A Song of Islands

A Song of Islands is a tone poem (described by the composer as a song)[1] written for orchestra by New Zealand composer Douglas Lilburn in 1946. The work is the last in a trilogy of pieces exploring the theme of New Zealand identity; it was preceded by the overture Aotearoa (1940) and Landfall in Unknown Seas (1942) for narrator and string orchestra.[2]

A Song of Islands
by Douglas Lilburn
FormTone poem
ComposedChristchurch, 1946
ScoringOrchestra

History and music

Lilburn described the song as featuring "a chorale-like theme" that develops into an "arch-like form".[1]

The piece has been recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under Sir William Southgate.[3][4] A Naxos recording by James Judd with the NZSO was issued in August 2006; it also includes Lilburn's Aotearoa Overture, Forest, A Birthday Offering, Drysdale Overture, Festival Overture and Processional Fanfare.[5]

References
  1. "LILBURN: A Song Of Islands". Radio New Zealand. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. "Landfall in unknown seas". Te Ara – The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  3. "A Song of Islands". SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music Trust. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  4. "A Song of Islands". Amazon. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  5. "LILBURN: Orchestral Works - 8.557697". Naxos Records. Retrieved 17 November 2020.


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