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Programme Notes
Peter Sculthorpe Threnody for solo ‘cello (1991/2) In one movement, Threnody, is made up of four sections: Cantando; Con malinconia; Risoluto; Copn rassagnazione. I chose to base the work upon the main theme of my orchestral piece Kakadu, this theme being a free adaptation of an Aboriginal lament from Elcho Island, near Australia’s northern coast, in the Arafura Sea. Threnody is dedicated to the memory of the conductor Stuart Challender, who died of AIDS in December 1991. Considering that he conducted Kakadu on many occasions, it seems fitting that this lament should be sung for him. The work was commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, for first performance at the memorial service for the conductor. Peter Sculthorpe