Composer

:

Peter Sculthorpe

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Average_duration

:

3:16

"Port Arthur: In Memoriam" is a composition for orchestra with an oboe solo, composed by Peter Sculthorpe. The piece was composed in 1996, in memory of the victims of the Port Arthur massacre that took place in Tasmania, Australia, on April 28, 1996. The piece was premiered on August 10, 1996, by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Porcelijn, with Diana Doherty as the oboe soloist. The composition consists of three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the tragedy. The first movement, "Lament," is a slow and mournful piece that expresses the sadness and grief felt by the nation after the massacre. The oboe solo is particularly poignant in this movement, as it represents the voice of the victims and their families. The second movement, "Dance," is a faster and more rhythmic piece that reflects the resilience and determination of the Australian people in the face of tragedy. The music is lively and energetic, with a strong sense of forward momentum. The final movement, "Epitaph," is a quiet and reflective piece that brings the composition to a close. The oboe solo is once again prominent in this movement, as it plays a haunting melody that lingers in the listener's mind long after the music has ended. Overall, "Port Arthur: In Memoriam" is a powerful and moving composition that captures the emotions and feelings of a nation in mourning. Sculthorpe's use of the oboe as a solo instrument adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the music, making it a truly unforgettable piece of music.

More....