Sculthorpe, Peter - Cello Dreaming

The work draws its inspiration from Australias so-called Top End. There, along the northern coastline, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures mingle with those of Melanasia and Indonedia. Cello Dreaming reflects this plurality.In one movement, the work is based upon two ideas. The first, heard at the outset, is an adaption of an indigenous lullaby. The second is a dwonward-falling melody of the kind kown as a tumbling strain. In the central part of the work, the two ideas are brought together, the lullaby is transformed into a more expansive melody. This melody, always played by the cello, also brings the work to a close. In order to create a sense of place, the body of the music is punctuated with references to the sounds of birds, especially those of seagulls, to gamelan-like figures, skin drum patterns and the ruminations of the didjeridu.

Cello Dreaming (score)