Inhabiting the world of human ambiguity and questing after “perfectly imperfect music”, Brisbane-based composer Lisa Cheney has revealed an enquiring mind and well-honed talent in this, her first album of chamber works.

Strange Charisma, written for prepared harp contrasts the conventional pristine sounds of the instrument with percussive and out-of-tune elements created by affixing Blu Tack and wooden honey dippers between the strings. The result (well realised by harpist Melina Van Leeuwen) is akin to throwing a pebble into a sonic pool and listening to the random, audible ripples that result. 

Inspired by a poem by Derek Bourne-Jones, No Distant Place is a musical diptych celebrating the bravery of World War I nurse Rachel Pratt with plangent intensity before moving into music that quivers with hope for the union of minds and hearts. Plexus Ensemble bring their customary energy and empathy to the score; clarinetist Philip Arkinstall bringing great colour and expressivity to his part, reinforced by the vitality of violinist Monica Curro and pianist Stefan Cassomenos.

Pitting the metallic brightness of high-sounding timbres against earthier, low-sounding tones,...