Jenny McLeod - Under The Sun Mp3

Tracklist

Notes

3LP box set of compositions by NZ composer performed at the Palmerston North Centennial Premier in 1971, with photo/ lyric booklet;
"Under the Sun was commissioned by the city of Palmerston North to commemorate its centenary. It was performed twice there on the weekend of 29–30 May 1971. It tells the history of the Sun, from the formation of the earth through the entire span of life on earth till the Sun cools. It is scored for four orchestras, a five-member rock group and two adult choirs around the perimeter of a large open auditorium, and four "floor choirs" totalling 440 children who act and dance as well as singing. Each has its own conductor, coordinated by listening through headphones to a tape of McLeod herself counting beats and bars. (Another track of the tape carries the narration.) At the end of one act the audience is invited to join in the dancing. The production involved 1000 people and took two years to bring to performance. Children from 16 schools contributed 2000 paintings of which 70 were chosen to be projected on screens above the audience. The show was produced (US: directed) by Peter Tulloch. A recording of a whole performance was published, as well as a single of a song in popular style, Shadow People performed by Grant Bridger."