SCORES
Toccata
piano solo
LISTEN
WATCH
ABOUT
As a student, I was far more interested in Professor Peter Platt’s history lectures when he removed his shoes and sat cross legged on the table with a sitar in his hands. This began my love of Indian raga. It co-incided with my trips to see Peggy Glanville-Hicks in her Paddington terraced home for elevenses where we discussed the importance of melody and rhythm. Dedicated to Sally Mays, Toccata is the result of these early influences.
piano
DURATION
2:45
DATE OF COMPOSITION
1983
PERFORMANCES
1983 (World Premiere)
The Sydney Schumann Society, 1983, The Studio, Sydney Opera House,
1992 Sally Mays
ABC FM
2001 Jennifer Wright
Hinde Street Church, London.
Other pianists known to have performed Toccata include John McCabe (1985, EMI Studio, Sydney), Gil Sullivan (Adelaide – see video) and Tony Gray
Sally Mays Canberra School of Music’s Australian Anthology of Music, Disc 3
‘[A] crystaline Toccata that always remains simmering just below the boiling point of excitement. It’s craggy harmonics and unpredictable rhythmic patterns make it a fresh and unusual contribution to the form.’
American Record Review
Yvonne Lau First Light – available from the AMC
CD Recommended listening:
John McCabe, Metier Records (MSV 28585). Toccata is included on the Mountains CD performed by John McCabe (pictured below)
