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Edward Cowie is one of the most individual and notable voices in contemporary music and considered by many to be the greatest living composer directly inspired by the natural world. He has worked for over 40 years writing music in response to landscapes and the voices of creatures. This is the second of the ‘Bird Portraits’ cycles and features 24 iconic birds of Australia. It follows the highly acclaimed set of British portraits (Métier MSV 28619, November 2021) and again contains new music with highly original treatments of the relationships between the bird singers and where and how they sing. Two more sets are due to appear, featuring birds of Africa and the Americas. This is another major addition of importance to the contemporary chamber repertoire and will benefit from the success and glowing reviews of previous Cowie albums, including these remarks on ‘Bird Portraits: “A major composition.. a musical language that is unique. Revelatory: (MusicWeb International) “Highly original… vivid evocations.” (New Classics) “Remarkably visual. Performances are exemplary, sympathetic, committed, lyrical and virtuoso” (Planet Hugilla) Sara Minelli and Roderick Chadwick are exceptionally gifted performers, in tune with the music of today, and perform with magnificent dexterity and virtuosity, with Sara’s extended breathing techniques wonderfully evoking the highly varied sounds of the beautiful birds featured. When complete the four sets of 24 portraits will without doubt hold a place high in the echelon of modern chamber compositions.