With text by noted poet Fleur Adcock, Dunedin's Dame Gillian wrote this ''monodrama'' while in residence for the Auckland Philharmonia and Medlyn.
They gave its first performance in 2003.
It was recorded in 2012 by Medlyn and the NZSO and proves a gripping eight-section work based on letters between the courageous Alice Adcock, who emigrated to New Zealand in 1909, and her father in Manchester. Medlyn impresses with stamina and characterisation.
Coupled with Alice are Karohirohi, in which harpist Carolyn Mills portrays shimmering light with the orchestra. The Improbable Ordered Dance is thoughtfully symphonic.
An excellent programme, conducted by Marc Taddei, shows the compositions' high calibre.
Highlights: Excellent recording, entrancing music.
Helene Pohl and Douglas Bielman (violins), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Rolf Gjelsten (cello) of the NZ String Quartet give a 51-minute performance of this G major masterpiece, Schubert's final quartet, recorded in Canada in 2010.
The opening 20-minute movement Allegro Molto Moderato is an emotional but inventive introduction, followed by an Andante introduced by a delightful cello melody, a dramatic interjection and contrasting moods.
After the Scherzo and Trio that skip along with some swift and ethereal sections, the final Allegro has been described as a ''comic opera'' full of its heroes and villains, before Schubert brings the work to a close with a nice climax.
Some chamber music fans may lament the lack of a short filler item for this CD.
Highlight: Schubert at his sparkling best.
