"I've always been determined to keep my New Zealandness alive and never to lose that freshness, that characteristic New Zealand straightforward honesty."
Lyell Cresswell Photo: Gareth Watkins / Lilburn Trust / Wallace Arts Trust
Lyell Cresswell might have been based in Scotland for four decades now, but he has never stopped calling himself a New Zealand composer. He manages to make it back home most years for premieres (most recently to hear his new violin work performed in Queenstown at the Michael Hill Violin Competition).
Lyell Cresswell - Music for String Quartet Photo: Album Cover Art
Lyell's New Zealandness is on full display in his new album of string quartet music performed by Scotland-based Red Note Ensemble.
"When I'm writing music I'm writing my autobiography.' he says. "When I write music I find it impossible to lie. I give my view of the world and hope from time to time it strikes a chord with others - that is all I ask."
The album Music for String Quartet is an excellent collection of Lyell's string quartets from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
"There are earlier ones that don't count." Lyell laughs. "I hope they're lost forever!"
Lyell thinks the talented contemporary music-focused group Red Note Ensemble have done a fantastic job of interpreting his music.
Music for String Quartet has been released on the Delphian label and features liner notes from Lyell's long-time friend Charlotte Wilson.
