Composer: Peter Sculthorpe
Works: Piano Concerto
Performers: Anthony Fogg (piano), Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Myer Fredman (conductor)
Recording: ABC CLASSICS 426 483-2, recorded 1982, 2000
Label: BRILLIANT
Peter Sculthorpe, one of Australia’s foremost composers, has long been a defining voice in contemporary classical music, melding indigenous Australian themes with Western musical traditions. His Piano Concerto stands as a significant contribution to the repertoire, reflecting both the natural landscapes of Australia and the emotional depth of its cultural narratives. This particular recording, featuring Anthony Fogg as the piano soloist and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under Myer Fredman’s direction, captures the concerto’s intricate textures and profound thematic development.
The concerto is structured in nine sections, creating a vast emotional landscape that traverses moments of quiet introspection to climactic expressions of turmoil. Sculthorpe’s integration of minimalist techniques is particularly notable; the use of repeated motifs and subtle shifts in harmony evokes a sense of the vast Australian outback, echoing its expansive skies and deep-seated spirituality. Fogg’s performance is both technically proficient and deeply expressive, navigating the complex passages with a nuanced touch that brings out Sculthorpe’s distinctive harmonic language. The Grave sections exhibit a somber gravitas, while the Animato segments pulse with rhythmic vitality, showcasing a dialogue between the piano and orchestra that is reminiscent of the interplay found in Ravel’s concertos.
The orchestral accompaniment provided by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is polished and energetic, supporting the soloist without overshadowing the intricate dialogue inherent in Sculthorpe’s writing. Fredman’s direction ensures that the ensemble maintains a brisk tempo, which is particularly effective in the more animated sections, allowing the music to breathe while also propelling it forward. The recording quality is commendable, with a clear, balanced mix that highlights the piano’s percussive qualities against the lush orchestration, a testament to ABC Classics’ commitment to high fidelity sound engineering.
Comparatively, Sculthorpe’s Piano Concerto can be seen as a synthesis of various influences, standing apart from the European-centric styles of his contemporaries such as Malcolm Williamson. While Williamson’s works often draw on the neo-classical language of Stravinsky, Sculthorpe’s approach is more introspective and organically connected to the Australian landscape. This recording of Sculthorpe’s concerto not only illuminates his unique voice but also serves as a compelling argument for the vitality of Australian music on the global stage.
This disc should be considered essential for any serious collector of contemporary classical music. The performances are imbued with a palpable sense of affection and familiarity that enhances the listening experience. Sculthorpe’s Piano Concerto, with its richly woven textures and emotional depth, emerges as the standout work, embodying the essence of Australia’s cultural identity while asserting its rightful place within the canon of modern concertos. The combination of Fogg’s virtuosic playing, the orchestra’s dynamic support, and the excellent recording quality makes this a significant addition to the discography of Australian composers.
