Kinjarling is an stunning original work in two movements for saxophone quartet.

Kinjarling was recorded by the Corella Saxophone Quartet on their album Kinjarling, an album that celebrates the beauty of the West Australia region.  

From the composer:

Kinjarling – Movement 1: Torndirrup National Park

Starting at Frenchman’s Bay, Frenchman Bay is twenty minutes drive along the Torndirrup Peninsula to the south. Situated on the Torndirrup Peninsula which shelters Albany from the Great Southern Ocean.

I remember snorkelling and spear fishing with my friend Ben in Frenchman’s Bay. The diving is wonderful and the water is so clear and beautiful. The waters are treacherous though as one time we were swimming out along the coast with huge granite rocks to our right and ocean to our left when suddenly 3 king waves came towards us. We made it over them but it was a reminder that we were in waters that claim lives every year. Either swept of rocks by king waves or drowning these waters are beautiful but you need to realise that the area is not tame.

Beginning to letter A is a quiet late morning on Frenchman’s Bay. Birds fly in out of the rocky outcrops and the water changes in its patterns along the granite walls. Letter A has hints of the lives lost in the area and the whaling stations past use. Overall, it is a calm reflection of the bay and its surroundings.

Letter B we are out diving. We are in the underwater world. Sea Weed, fish of all shapes and colours and sizes, crabs, squid so many wonderful marine animals. Bar 31 reminds us again that we need to respect these waters.

Letter C sees us transported to the Gap and natural bridge. When I was a child there were no barriers to stop people from venturing out on to the natural bridge or to try going on the ledge of the Gap. Many people went out on to the natural bridge or out over the edge of the gap and either died or nearly died when they fell or were swept in. The majesty and awe of the ocean swell. The force of the waves against the high granite walls. This power is also described in this part of the work. We end in awe of this power and the majesty of this place.

Kinjarling: Movement 2: Middleton Beach walkway from the beach to town.

This board walk is one of my favourite things to do in Albany. Its around 50-55minutes in length and takes in so many scenes and aspects of Albany. It starts at Middleton Beach and hugs the coast taking in spectacular scenes of the open ocean, the islands, WWI relics, the port and finally the town centre.

Opening to letter A – This is early morning. Summer. Around 8:30am. The water is very still, not many people. There is so much to take in. The islands in the distance, the pine trees and the open long beach with hardly anyone present. The granite hill to the right and sea birds everywhere. The 3 and 6 note ideas are based on the 3 syllables of Kinjarling and the 6 letters of Albany. Many of the motifs here will come back throughout the work.

Letter A we start to climb up the boardwalk getting different perspectives of the beach and the islands. So many things to see, so many different aspects to attract the eye.Letter B we come around the first corner and the wind hits you. The ocean opens up in front of you. Many different boats are out, fishing boats, cargo ships and many birds.

Letter C speaks of the WWI gunning placements that remain. This area was seen as a major defense should the war come to Australia. Many troops left from Albany as well. This song “Keep the home fires burning” was a hit and gave the troops away from home something to look forward to, family and friends and a return to a normal life. Many never came back. This is a tribute to the roll Albany played in the conflict and is in honour of those who fought for freedom.

Letter D is the port where lots of grain, livestock and oil is handled and processed and shipped. Its quite loud, big and is in stark contrast to the natural beauty. Letter E sees us nearing the town centre. Houses, cars, people all coming into view. Letter F points to the ANZAC history in Albany and reminds us that towns like Albany exsist because of the sacrifice of those who did go to war.

The ending showcases the group and celebrates Albany as a small town with lots of heart, natural beauty and a place that loves art, good food and enjoying the outdoors.

The E-Edition PDF bundle comes with a score and the following parts:

Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone