Michael Bertram Fantaisie-Sonata

Released in 2016 on the Australian independent label Move Records, this recording features the works of composer Michael Bertram, performed by the renowned pianist Michael Kieran Harvey. The project was born out of the long-standing artistic partnership between Bertram and Harvey, who have frequently collaborated to champion contemporary Australian piano repertoire. The disc serves as a focused exploration of Bertram’s complex, virtuosic compositional style, highlighting his technical demands and unique harmonic language.

The centerpiece of the album is the titular Fantaisie-Sonata, a demanding work designed to test the limits of modern piano performance. Harvey, known for his interpretation of avant-garde and complex contemporary scores, brings a rigorous precision to the interpretation. Upon its release, the recording was recognized for its contribution to the niche but vibrant scene of Australian contemporary classical music, appreciated by critics and listeners for the clarity of the production and the depth of the collaborative effort between composer and performer.