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Sequenza and other works by Ian Bonighton

The tragic death, at age 33, of lan Bonighton in May 1975 robbed Australian music of one of its most promising young composers. He had been composing for little more than ten years. This remastered release showcases compositions for percussion, organ, choir, string quartet, piano, horn and electronics.

Ian Bonghton can claim an important place in Australian musical history. His musical training was entirely local, his compositions were almost all written for local performances, and he ventured abroad only at the end of his life. His career was uniquely Australian, and his works are rare examples of musical talent fostered in the Australian environment.

His music deserves an audience – it has a distinctive personality. While he never strove consciously to make his music ‘Australian’, it is uniquely so; and listeners who compare it with European or American works of the same era may sense a subtle but unmistakable difference of flavour as well as personality differences.

Artists

Douglas Lawrence

Melbourne organist Douglas Lawrence is Director of Music at The Scots' Church and Teacher of the Organ at the University of Melbourne and was the founding director of Choir of Ormond College, a position he held from 1982 to 2006.

Keith Humble

In 1977, Keith Humble won the National Critics Award as the most outstanding recitalist working in Australia and he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to music in 1982. He was a constant champion of Australian contemporary music and Percy Grainger.

Australian Percussion Ensemble

Rosslyn Farren-Price

Rosslyn Farren-Price graduated from the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music in 1964. She studied piano with Ronald Farren-Price. As well as teaching she has broadcast a number of times for the ABC radio and television, appeared with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and has lectured for the Council of Adult Education. She now lives in London.

Melbourne String Quartet

The Melbourne String Quartet has appeared in various guises over the years. One group formed in 1973 and another in 1994.

Alex Grieve

Keith Humble Choir


Press quotes

“... this recording is not only a significant musical event. It is equally, and tragically, a memorial to a young Australian composer. The title work for eight-part choir, pipe organ and tape begins and ends with great blocks of organ sound, built from clusters of notes ... between them hang a rich tapestry of sound which develops a compelling logic of its own. Other pieces include the second string quartet, fairly conventional in construction, but very idiomatic in its sound, a piece for three permission players which is put together with the elegant precision of the workings of a Swiss watch. The album is a must for anyone seriously interested in Australian music.”

— John Moses, The Australian

“Bonighton was concerned with sound as texture rather than the traditional forms of rhythm, metre and tonality. The first pressing of the double album Sequenza is limited to 500 copies.”

— Anne Latreille, The Age

“Although Bonighton rarely composed purely electronic music, he often linked them with more traditional means of expression. Douglas Lawrence (Toccata for Organ), the Melbourne String Quartet, the Australian Percussion Ensemble, pianist Rosslyn Farren-Price, and horn player Alex Grieve were also performers who were close to him in life.”

— Forester, The Age Green Guide

Audio previews

Track Listing

  1. Sequenza Ian Bonighton
  2. Music for Sleep Ian Bonighton
  3. Derivations III Ian Bonighton
  4. In Nomine Ian Bonighton
  5. Toccata for Organ Ian Bonighton
  6. Derivations I Ian Bonighton

    7. String Quartet No. 2 Ian Bonighton

  7. First Movement
  8. Second Movement
  9. Third Movement
  10. Fourth Movement
  11. Fifth Movement
  12. One Two Three Ian Bonighton
  13. Canonic Variations Ian Bonighton

Performers

Composer

Ian Bonighton

Ian Bonighton (1942-1975) was rapidly gaining recognition not only as a brilliant composer, but also as an outstanding teacher at the time Move's Reverberations was made (now available on CD). More of his works can be heard on a remastered Sequenza CD.


Where to buy

Sequenza and other works by Ian Bonighton is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through Apple Music.

Sequenza and other works by Ian Bonighton is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Release date
1977
Copyright
© 1977 Move Records
Phonogram
℗ 1977 Move Records
Categories
Australian, Classical
Catalogue number
MD 3016
Alternate catalogue number
MD3016
Barcode
EAN 9314574301625