During the 1960s Peter Sculthorpe became deeply engaged with Japanese culture and these three exquisite pieces from 1971 - entitled 'Snow Moon and Flowers', 'Night', and 'Stars' - were the result. The opening movement (really three pieces in one) is based on the notion of setsugekka. 'The concept is concerned with metamorphosis,' wrote Sculthorpe, 'moonlight, for instance may make snow of flowers, and flowers of snow; and the moon itself may be viewed as an enormous snowflake or a giant white flower.' "Music of quality. . .delicate, harplike textures. They are evocative little sketches of a distinctly impressionistic kind." Musical Times (Frank Dawes), August 1975

Premiered in 2000 by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and James Judd, New Norcia takes its name from the monastic town in Western Australia which was one of the few places in Australia where Gregorian Chant was sung during the second half of the nineteenth century. Taking the plainchant melody as its basis, this 6-minute work is a vibrant addition to the brass and percussion repertoire.

The Third Sonata for Strings is based upon Sculthorpe's String Quartet No 11, written for the Kronos Quartet. The subtitle, "Jabiru Dreaming" takes its name from a rock formation in Kakadu National Park. The music contains rhythmic patterns found in the tribal music of the Kakadu area and that reflect the gait of the `jabiru' stork, whilst the second part derives from an Aboriginal chant transcribed in 1802.

". . an unmistakeable Australian accent in its throbbing phrases for low strings and in the dream-time patience of drawn-out melodies, which can only be called. . .though the word is in disrepute among most contemporary composers. . .beautiful. This must be one of his most appealing works." Sydney Morning Herald (Fred Blanks), 31 October 1986

One of Sculthorpe's most performed works, it was inspired by a passage from D H Lawrence's novel, "Kangaroo", in which he describes the town of Thirroul in New South Wales. At the heart of the work, two trumpets play "The Last Post" in haunting canon over hushed strings. Small Town is often used to accompany broadcasts of civic occasions, Anzac Day processions and at state funerals. It is also a firm favourite with orchestra education programmes.

Peter Sculthorpe's Requiem is arranged for SATB chorus, with piano reduction for rehearsal purposes or for performance with organ. |A children's choir may be added for an added accented build to this sacred piece. Requiem was first performed in Adelaide Town Hall by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Voices with William Barton, conducted by Richard Mills on 3 March 2004.

From Irkanda III

Autumn Song

Chorale