Five Lines is a collection of writings about music in Aotearoa New Zealand by Elizabeth Kerr. It features short articles, artist profiles and reviews of concerts, operas and albums. You can subscribe - it’s free - at the bottom of any story.

Optimistic notes
CD Review Elizabeth Kerr CD Review Elizabeth Kerr

Optimistic notes

Composer Anthony Ritchie’s 5th Symphony, “Childhood”, looks forward with optimism. It’s now on a beautifully packaged CD.

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The Gristle of Knuckles
CD Review Elizabeth Kerr CD Review Elizabeth Kerr

The Gristle of Knuckles

Eve de Castro-Robinson’s The Gristle of Knuckles won the Classical Tui at the 2018 New Zealand Music Awards. And there’s not a genre category in sight in this inventive release.

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Houstoun plays the seducer
CD Review Elizabeth Kerr CD Review Elizabeth Kerr

Houstoun plays the seducer

Alfred Brendel called Beethoven's monumental Diabelli Variations "the greatest of all piano works". It may not yet be your favourite but be warned, you could be seduced by this persuasive release.

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