A look back: Music in New Zealand

In May 2024 NZ Post will issue stamps commemorating beloved art rock band Split Enz. Back in 1986, two years after Split Enz played their farewell concert, Music in New Zealand took a look at four other musical genres found in Aotearoa.

Single 30c 'Classical Music' gummed stamp

It is a shared experience - the composer puts their thoughts on paper, the musicians bring them to life, the conductor interprets and controls them, and the listeners and musicians alike take delight in the realisation of the composer's thoughts and moods. Each instrument in a symphony orchestra has a unique role to play in the overall performance of the music. There are the strings featuring violins, violas, cellos and double basses all bowed, and the harp; the woodwind featuring flutes, clarinets, piccolos, oboes and bassoons; brass featuring horns, trumpets, trombones and tubas; and percussion featuring xylophone, castanets, triangles, tambourines, drums and cymbals.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra was officially launched on 24 October 1946 and gave its first concert on 6 March 1947.

Single 60c 'Brass Band Music' gummed stamp

Brass band music began in England and is generally thought to have developed from a sudden flourishing of wind bands somewhere between 1800 and 1825. Gradually various groups came together in ever increasing numbers, until band music reached its maturity at the end of the 19th century, composed largely of members of the working and artisan classes. The first band, the regimental band of the 58th Regiment, arrived in New Zealand in 1845. As the band movement grew, so did competition, and contesting developed. The bands became an integral part of civic occasions, concerts and displays. At the outbreak of war many players offered their services, with some bands volunteering for service as complete units. The National Band of New Zealand has performed and toured periodically since forming in 1953.

Single 80c 'Highland Pipe Band Music' gummed stamp

It was recorded in 'Cook's Discovery of New Zealand' that when Captain James Cook was having trouble communicating with the native inhabitants of the newly discovered land, he asked a crew member to play the bagpipes in the hope that the music would have a positive affect on the local people - and

From left to right: Single 30c 'Classical Music' gummed stamp, single 60c 'Brass Band Music' gummed stamp, single 80c 'Highland Pipe Band Music' gummed stamp, single $1.00 'Country Music' gummed stamp it did. Almost magically they came out to find the source of the strange new sound. In the 1840s, Scottish settlers quickly rebuilt the traditions of their homeland and formed small groups to play as bands. The Caledonian Societies were formed to hold social events and encourage sports meetings based on the traditional highland gatherings of Scotland. The groups became part of the Highland Pipe Bands Association of New Zealand and some have represented New Zealand in various championships and received invitations to appear at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Single $1.00 'Country Music' gummed stamp

Country music was popularised by its use in the American 'western' movies of the 1920s. In New Zealand, every area had its own artists, as well known and popular locally as the many international recording stars. As technology progressed, country music became more widespread and more popular.

By 1986 New Zealand had more than 100 amateur country music clubs, which recognised the need to encourage young musicians and singers and give them the opportunities to succeed in the business.