South Solitary
About South Solitary
As far back as I can remember, I have always felt there to be a magical connection between image and sound. When Shirley invited me to compose the score for her film, in a moment my imagination was abrim with the musical possibilities.
The invitation was in fact a gift – a chance to revisit a music and culture from my childhood that has stayed with me – one that my mother saw to instill in all her five children through dance, music and song. With her guidance, from an early age I was busy in the Irish tradition of dance; and at family gatherings I would listen to my mother and her family in full voice as they sang through their list of favourite Australian bush songs and Irish ballads. Of course, this is where I became familiar with She moved through the Fair. The first time I heard this ballad I was spellbound – so beautiful and poignantly sad in tune and lyric. My uncle, Father John O’Neill, was the soloist – always the centre of the family sing–songs.
Through the score of South Solitary I have been able to compose a music that would, I am sure, surprise many who have heard my concert music. On the surface it could not be farther removed! Yet – for those who know me better, know that the spirit underlying all the music I create is affirmed by the same passion.
I am so grateful to my dear friend Shirley, for the gift she placed in my hands – for trusting me with her beautiful story.
Listen to the first track Composer Mary Finsterer – Prelude To Villers Bretonneux – South Solitary