Talk:Chronological list of Australian classical composers

Leading article suggestion
I note the Equivalent list for the Unites States has no leading section. In a newer and more diverse nation with modern mobility, it is difficult to compile an precise list of Australians. Composers may be defined as Australian by reason of residence or persistent national identification, as much as birth place. For example, nearly all colonial period composers were born overseas, yet their life and work is considered Australian. On the other hand "That Australian Rag" 1913 by Charley Straight 1891-1940 was written for the Australian audience during a tour of the country, but the vast bulk of his professional life was spent in the united states and all except two of his works concern America, consequently neither he nor the music is Australian.

The piano features as the instrument of choice for most early composers, with some pieces written for cornet and violin and considerably less for other instruments. There are also plenty of militaria in the form of patriotic songs and brass band marches. Sacred and secular music using keyboards and several voices are also plentiful. The waltz for piano is a staple of colonial composition. Marches for Brass bands are sometimes also arranged for solo piano. Other popular styles in the colonial era were Polka, Mazurka and Song.

Aboriginality
There was an oral tradition of music among Aboriginal owners of the Australian continent prior to British Settlement in 1788. Some European trained composers recorded Aboriginal songs. These remain valuable documents as the most accurate (European) depiction of native music. Ceremonial music should be heard in context.

Australian musical composers returned from active service, missing or killed in action

 * Jack Lumsdaine
 * Reginald Stoneham
 * Cpt Frederick Septimus Kelly Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve(UK) decorated at Gallipoli, champion rower, KIA 1916 Copies at NLA (some copyright? arrangements)
 * Michael Heming - no copies - "Threnody for a soldier killed in action" performed abroad  KIA El Alamein
 * Pte. George Hurst - 1912 Orchestral Intermezzo - no copies KIA 1917
 * F. Purcell-Warren KIA 1916? five piano miniatures

dates unknown

 * Fanny Turbayne
 * William Stanley
 * Dr Ruby Davis
 * Edith Walker
 * August Seide
 * Joseph Summers
 * William Ellard
 * Ernest Truman
 * Henry Tate
 * Edward Tyrell 1877-1934
 * L A Pogonowski
 * Ethel Town
 * Carl Sauer
 * Wando Aldrovandi (1885-31 May 1952)
 * Frank Sheehan
 * Marion Alsop
 * Jack Cannot
 * George Milford
 * Arthur Charles Hendrie (1875-1947)
 * Herbert Daynes-Wood
 * Joe Slater
 * Herbert De Pinna 1880-1936
 * Charles William MacCarthy 1848-1916
 * Albert Lenertz
 * Frederick Brawick
 * Henry John King 1855 - 1934
 * Alfred Plumpton 1848-1902
 * Dr Edwin Fowles
 * Arthur Adams
 * Rev. George Torrance
 * Pat Heale
 * Bert Rache
 * May Tognini

Notable Australian composers listed by Symphony Australia
Many thanks to SYMPHONY AUSTRALIA for the list of notable composers
 * John Antill               -1986
 * Edgar Bainton             -1956
 * James Brash           1881-
 * Alex Burnard          1900-1971
 * Robert Dalley-Scarlett 1887-1959
 * Clive Douglas         1903-1977
 * George Selwyn English 1912-1980
 * Felix Gethen          1916-2002
 * Camille Gheysens active1945
 * Edith Harrhy          1893-1969
 * Alfred Hill           1869-1960
 * Mirrie Hill           1889-1986
 * Frank Hutchens        1892-1965
 * Miriam Hyde           1913-2005
 * William James         1892-1970
 * Heinrich (Henry) Krips 1912-1987
 * Dorian Le Gallienne   1915-1963
 * William Lovelock      1899-1986
 * Leslie Mallin  active 1978
 * David Lumsdaine (Jack) 1931-
 * Wayne Madden   active 1999-
 * David C. Maddisonactive1970
 * Daniel Mas            1980
 * Claude McGlynn active 1947
 * David Sydney Morgan   1932-
 * Arnold Mote           1881-1940
 * William Arundel Orchard1867-1961
 * Meta Overman          1907-1933
 * Katharine(Kitty) Parker1886-1971
 * James Penberthy       1917-1999
 * Peter Rorke    active 1995
 * Larry Sitsky          1934-
 * Margaret Sutherland   1897-1984
 * Georg Tintner         1917-1999
 * Felix Werder          1922-2012
 * Malcolm Williamson    1931-2003

Thanks for promoting living and contemporary composers. I notice that Symphony Australia has ceased operation and been replaced by the Goodear label and Symphony Services International. I also notice that none of the composers listed are historic, while a factual encyclopaedic music history of Australia includes some. Tradimus (talk) 13:22, 11 October 2022 (UTC)