Meditations of Mary (1978)

Dulcie Holland (1913–2000) — Meditations of Mary (1978) for organ

“Meditations of Mary” (1978) is inspired by Luke 2:19: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” The music is a very free re-imagining in Holland’s own style of elements from an organ voluntary by the English Tudor-era composer John Redford (ca. 1500–1547).

Australian composer Dulcie Holland (1913–2000) was born in Sydney and educated at the Sydney Conservatorium. In 1936, she moved to London to study composition at the Royal College of Music with John Ireland. In 1939, she decided to return to Australia due to World War II. In 1951, she returned to England for a year to study serial composition with Mátyás Seiber. Holland had an active career in Australia as a pianist and composer. She became particularly known for her many years of work with the Australian Music Examination Board and the numerous compositions she wrote for all levels of student musical development. Holland also wrote and published a number of children’s books under her married name (Dulcie Bellhouse). Alongside her many educational pieces, Holland composed concert works mostly in tonal style incorporating neo-romantic and neo-classical elements. She also composed scores for more than 40 documentary films for the Australian Department of the Interior.

Published by the Australian Music Centre

https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/artist/holland-dulcie