Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents an historical and analytical overview of symphonies composed in Australia since. It focuses on the work of composers who have contributed directly to the Australian musical environment. The book then considers the definitions of ‘symphonism’ within the international context of the period 1960–2020. It also focuses on Australian symphonies composed during the 1960s and 1970s, first with a survey of the ongoing contribution of established senior composers and somewhat younger composers who worked in tonal styles. The book considers the ‘watershed’ period of the 1980s which triggered an outpouring of symphonies from the mid-1980s onwards. It then considers the comparatively well-known symphonies of Carl Vine, Ross Edwards and Brenton Broadstock. The book also examines the symphonies of senior Australian composers David Morgan, Paul Paviour, Don Kay, Larry Sitsky, Philip Bracanin, Barry Conyngham and Richard Mills.