Australia has a proud tradition of music making; we’ve world class musicians and composers in our ranks and it is not often I enjoy the special treat of having a composer send some recordings of his music for me to listen to in return for my thoughts.

But that’s just what I’m up to of late. Australian composer Phillip Wilcher has posted me some extraordinary examples of his many varied works for piano, performed by Jeanell Carrigan. I have recently highlighted and praised those artists who channel their creativity and give it shape, form and voice by using their own unique gifts, maintaining honesty to self and following their own path.

Right now I am enjoying listening to some really inspired composing: Etchings – poignant, pensive, awakening – like a painter starting a portrait as a mere sketch with the pencil until it blossoms into a work of colour and vibrancy.  And then there is Shimmer: intermezzos that literally dance out from the keys, works of individuality that point to a composer who is clearly not from a rigid school of thought, but presents music that moves, is colourful – tactile.

I sometimes wondered if composers use a method equal to that which actors use – stanislavskian -if you like. Do they begin with an idea out of which the music develops; do they literally turn their moods, feelings, thoughts and experiences into notes on a page? Does a composer compose to absolve his conscience, or come to terms with heartbreak/happiness as a writer would? Does a composer ever find an emotion that is too challenging to confront and find a place for in a manuscript?

Can a composer ever reveal too much of him/herself through their music? Or do they, like everyone, desire to keep just a little bit of the very best for themselves. Music makes for wonderful insight.