Broadcast 2025-09-25

I’m appalled to say that while I am a fan of RONE’s work and have visited all the installations mentioned in the introduction, I had no idea that the music had been specifically composed for them. 

It seems obvious in retrospect.

I like the idea of the first snow for a theme.

I’m based in Geelong now, but spent most of my life in Tasmania, and snow falls regularly on the peaks, and sometimes further down.

Snow on a still day affects sound in a unique way, almost deadening extremes, and emphasising a profound quietude, a feeling of tranquillity.

I can feel that in this piece, the pace and the interplay of themes between the instruments contribute their unique character to it.

Listening to the rest of the album should be a pleasure.

The album will be released October 17 and works from it will be premiered alongside much-loved pieces from Batterham’s soundtracks for Rone installations at Tempo Rubato in Brunswick, Monday 10th November, 2025.

The concert at Tempo Rubato will feature a quartet comprising Christopher Moore, Zoë Black as well as Josephine Vains and Georgina Lewis performing Batterham's compositions.

Tickets are available through the Tempo Rubato website. 


Nick Batterham - First Snow - Tempo Review

Weekly uploads of reviews and interviews from the program, "Tempo". "Tempo" is a weekly radio program presented by John Lamp, highlighting a wide range of music and music reviews on 94.7 the Pulse in Geelong, Wadawurrung country. John has been involved in community radio since 1976, initially with a music program "Parcel of Rogues" on 7CAE-FM in Hobart, Tasmania. After moving to Geelong, he joined 94.7 the Pulse on the program "Folks Alive", which morphed into "~meanderings~." John then spent a decade on the station Boards of Management before returning to the air in 2022 with his new program "Tempo." Full programs can be accessed at the link below.

Nick Batterham - First Snow - Tempo Review

Tempo on the Pulse