Performed by the Syzygy Ensemble at the University of Melbourne.
In this work I experimented with the different harmonies and tone colours that could express the notion of daydreaming. The musical swells reflect the varying nature of daydreams: from building in energy to calm and sedate. The dovetailing between the instruments should be as smooth as possible as should the changes in tempo between the sections, giving the piece continuous flow.

Daydreams

The Difference

Performed by Harry Sdraulig on cornet on Clare Johnston on piano.
This work was written for my dear friend and fellow composer, Harry Sdraulig. I was captivated by the image of stars as they conjure up many different meanings. A star’s brightness can inspire us; stars are changeable and yet constant; they are sources of unattainable light that we can wish upon. I experimented with different melodic shapes and harmonic colours that could depict this image.

Stars

This piece was written on AYO National Music Camp 2015 and was performed by the AYO tutors and conducted by James Judd. The work has two movements entitled ­­The Ridge and The Valley. The musical motifs throughout the work reflect the turbulence and tranquility of nature so evident in the appearance of mountains. While the work is not literally programmatic, I experimented with different melodies, rhythms and harmonies that could convey images of mountains and valleys in sound.

Mountains

This is a live performance from the 3MBS Performer of the Year Awards at the Australian National Academy of Music.

Gypsy Trio is a fiery piece that uses Gypsy scales and syncopated rhythms. It is filled with rhapsodic virtuoso passages which help to build the work to a climactic end. 

Gypsy Trio

This piece was composed for Claire Edwardes as part of the National Women Composers' Program run by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. It is a reflective love lullaby. 

Behind Blue Eyes

Composition Masters Folio USyd

Moonlight

Love Is To Me A World

Night Sky

Stefanie Farrands (TSO) on viola. This work is inspired by a painting by Shirley Barber of the ‘Silver Fairy’ who sprinkles frost crystals on the trees and flowers in the mornings. It is a delicate piece that tries to capture the sparkling beauty of a frosty morning.

Frost Crystals

Soprano, horn and piano set to text by Dickens

Near Me

Ruby is a fast and fiery piece and is the second of my ‘jewel quartets’. It is performed here by the Flinders String Quartet and is somewhat inspired by the 2nd movement of Bartok’s String Quartet no. 2. Ruby explores different textures throughout the quartet to build intensity. The beginning and the end are a fast call and answer between the quartet and the middle section is a dense chordal and gradually builds and builds. Enjoy!

Ruby

Electric Energy

The Fifth Suit

Memories

Clare Strong (née Johnston) is an Australian composer, based in Melbourne.
Clare has composed works for some of Australia’s leading performers and ensembles including: the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the Goldner String Quartet, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Plexus, Claire Edwardes (percussion), Sarah Curro (violin), Stefanie Farrands (viola), Virginia Taylor (flute), Alice Giles (harp) and Louise Johnson (harp). She has completed a Masters as part of the inaugural National Women Composers' Development Program run by the Sydney Conservatorium. 

Clare completed a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne in 2013, where she was awarded the Esther Rofe Award for Composition. In 2015 she won the David Henkels Award for Composition and had her Gypsy Trio performed at the 3MBS Performer of the Year Awards.

In 2015 Clare was selected to participate as a composer in the Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat in New Hampshire, USA. She studied with composer Martin Bresnick and had one of her compositions performed by the Wet Ink Ensemble from New York City. Clare was also selected to participate in the Atlantic Music Festival in Maine, USA where she studied with leading American composers and had her works performed and recorded by the Contemporary Ensemble at the festival and the AMF Orchestra.

Clare was chosen as one of four composers at the AYO National Music Camp 2015 where her music was conducted by James Judd and performed by leading international musicians.

Clare Strong

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