Sounding a history of the guitar in Queensland
I have recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, where I researched historical guitar activities in Queensland from 1842 to around World War Two.
Feel free to access and download my DMA dissertation here!
As a guitarist, composer, and researcher I love seeking out and engaging with lesser-known repertoire and also writing chamber music works involving guitar. These original compositions often incorporate aesthetically and emotionally informed responses to historical sites, places, objects and ideas. My research project derived from my interest in local history and extended my professional practice, primarily because it focussed on the exploration and revival of a neglected source of repertoire. My research outcomes address a considerable knowledge gap in the history of the guitar in Australia through the mediums of publication and performance.
Together with my friends from the Enoggera Ensemble I have performed many recitals of historical works so far, including:
The first recital featured music for guitar with voice, piano and violin and I focused on music performed in Queensland from 1840-1880. Check out the programme here!
The second recital comprised music for the combination of guitars with mandolin and banjo. I focused on music performed in Queensland between 1880-1920. Standard and soprano guitars were used, as were ukulele, and mandola. Check out the programme here!
The third recital was a continued exploration of music for guitars, mandolin and banjo. This concert was hosted by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and held in the parlour of Wolston Farmhouse to a full house. Check out the programme here!
The fourth recital was held at the Commissariat Store Museum as part of Brisbane Open House. At this concert, we premiered my original work ‘Euogerra’ composed especially for the Enoggera Ensemble. Check out the programme here!
The fifth recital was held in outback Queensland in a town called Wallumbilla. The collaborative project, titled Sweet Home Wallumbilla, was the recipient of an Arts Queensland Grant, which enabled me to compose and perform a new work with my ensemble. Check out the project here!
Visit the Enoggera Ensemble Youtube channel to view all of our music videos.
I have also presented on my research at numerous guitar conferences and research symposia including those held at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Monash University, Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University), Brisbane Classical Guitar, and Ormiston College.
“I can honestly say that this was one of the finest recitals of any kind that I have ever heard. Bravo indeed!”
"This is one of the best research recitals I’ve ever heard. A highly original program, beautifully contextualised as a research outcome. Extremely polished performance, technically accomplished and musically compelling. The research has the potential to be taken beyond simple local interest, to become something significant and important."
“This was an exceptional recital in all respects. The musical interpretations were without exception at a very high professional level, stylistically varied, perfectly prepared and very convincingly performed. The audience and the examiners were clearly captivated from the very first to the very last note. The research, arrangements and masterful performances presented here are all perfect examples of what artistic research should be. This research contributes significant new cultural knowledge for Queensland, for the history of the guitar in Australia and the arrangements created are a resource for future generations of performers wishing to perform this music.”
“Duncan Gardiner’s recital was a highly significant chapter in Brisbane’s musicological history and an important contribution to research in this field. From the outset the public presentation was highly professional, embodying the best attributes of classical performance practice through a fresh, engaging and aesthetically sophisticated program.”
“Everything about this concert was immaculately designed and presented at the highest professional quality level. The Research Component of this presentation was central to the entire evening, and yet I’m sure that any casual audience member who might have simply attended expecting a normal Guitar Recital, would have been completely engrossed in the way both the Music and the Research was presented in such an inviting and engrossing manner. In my opinion this is everything that Artistic Research can and should be! The quality of Mr Gardiner’s guitar (and other instruments too) playing was simply flawless, and the ensemble playing exhibited by him and his associate artists was also top-notch and showed the highest levels of ensemble awareness, communication, and rapport. Duncan’s many arrangements were extremely skilful and well crafted.”
The classical guitar in Paris: Composers and performers c.1920-1960
Way back in 2006 I completed my Honours degree at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. My honours thesis has been digitised for online access. The research concerns composers and performers in Paris from around 1920 to 1960. If you are interested in reading it, it is available for free download here.
