Nocturnal… the sounds of night

Peter Sculthorpe was an influential composer whose music melds aspects of Australian music with the Western Heritage. He wrote over 350 works in a variety of musical forms, and almost all are influenced by the social and physical of Australia. Rather than employing dense, atonal techniques, he evoked the sounds and feelings of the bushland and outback, and wanted people to feel happier after listening to his music.

Born in Launceston, Tasmania in 1929, he began his musical studies at an early age. He studied composition with several teachers, including Roy Agnew and Sir Eugene Goossens, and eventually became one of Australia’s most distinguished composers.

An important and unique aspect of Sculthorpe’s music was his use of indigenous Australian elements in his compositions. He often incorporated Aboriginal instruments and musical styles into his works, creating a distinctive sound that was both Australian, and universal.

But Sculthorpe’s influence extended beyond his compositions. He was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young composers, helping to establish a thriving contemporary classical music scene in Australia. He was instrumental in founding the Australian Music Centre, which serves as a resource for composers, performers, and scholars. He was also a founding member of the Australian National Academy of Music.

Perhaps one of the most famous pieces Sculthorpe composed is his “Kakadu,” which was inspired by the national park in northern Australia. The work features a range of indigenous Australian sounds and instruments, including the didgeridoo, and it has become an iconic piece of Australian music.

Sculthorpe’s music has been performed by orchestras around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1990, and he was also awarded the prestigious Don Banks Music Award in 1997.

Peter Sculthorpe died in 2014, but his legacy lives on. His music continues to inspire and delight audiences, and his contributions to the Australian music scene are still felt today. If you haven’t had the chance to hear any of his music yet, I highly recommend giving this piece a listen. From a hushed introduction that builds in waves of intensity, Nocturnal evokes the activity of creatures of the night, ending in with a quiet resolution.

It’s a unique and beautiful sound that’s not to be missed. Enjoy!