Bruce Greenfield (piano). Recorded by RNZ Concert, 18 October 1996.
Helen Caskie Photo: SOUNZ
Helen Caskie was born in 1930 in Wanganui, New Zealand and educated at the Wanganui Girl’s College, Canterbury University College and Otago University followed by Teacher’s Training College. Then followed a busy life of teaching, conducting, broadcasting, adjudicating and marriage. Now widowed, Helen lives a nearly retired life in Palmerston North teaching just a few singing students and following her first love, composition. Helen has won a number of national awards for her compositions and has had children’s music published in London. Commissioning opportunities arise quite often and have resulted in a cross section of works for soloists and varying ensemble combinations.
Four Seasonal Nocturnes are pieces of beyond diploma difficulty, reflecting seasonal mood changes. They can be performed as a cycle or separately and their harmonic subtlety is most appropriate when performed on a grand piano.
