‘This short and funereal piece was written shortly after the death of the composer’s father … Like most of Sculthorpe’s music that is known in this country, it is strongly impressionistic. Indeed, the technique comes very close to that of painting, blocks of sound being placed side by side in a manner that precludes the organic growth that usually forms the mainstay of musical composition.’
The Glasgow Herald (UK), 16 March 1967 ‘… a work of passionate certainty of expression. Its throbbing emotionalism speaks directly and immediately to any listener.’
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (Roger Covell), 31 July 1963
‘… a first-rate piece, thoroughly contemporary in its language but timeless in the sincerity, directness and gravity of its feeling.’
Music & Dance (Australia) (David Simon), January 1962
‘engaging American contemporaries.’
The Independent (UK) (Robert Maycock), 14 August 1992