Theme & Deviations
Sonny Chua performs a thrilling selection of his popular piano works, including the Sonatina, the subversively charming Assorted Fairies, and Theme and 12 Deviations – a wickedly hilarious, dazzling set of variations-to-end-all-variations on Chopsticks.
Chua’s music is equally acclaimed by performers, teachers and students, and is heard regularly in examinations, competitions and music festivals. It communicates provocatively on several levels, stimulating wit, humour and imagination in audiences of all ages.
Works on this album include a suite of three feisty rhapsodic dances and a Sonatina commissioned by the Victoria Music Teachers’ Association (Australia) to mark its 70th year in 1998.
The music on this album seeks to communicate provocatively on several levels, stimulating the wit and imagination in audiences of all ages and all sorts. Through various styles of expression, with overt and subversive references to traditional and contemporary culture, this compilation of little piano pieces explores the playfulness, gracefulness and exhilaration in music.
Reviews
Chua's work is an invigorating mix of styles ranging from the classic to modern jazz, each a refreshing musical experience. ★★★★
delightful recital
dazzling, sometimes whimsical, sometimes wicked, often hilarious ... pretty much a must have
irreverently tongue-in-cheek ... The title work is a hoot.
most enjoyable ... students should be excited and encouraged in their piano studies by this album.
interesting in conception as well as highly entertaining
Refreshingly written in an accessible attractive and 'hip' language, this music inspires
skilfully crafted, conveying a myriad styles and the playing is crisp and clear with a lovely range of dynamics.
Artist

Sonny Chua
Sonny Chua’s music assimilates seemingly incongruous ideas across a broad palette, drawing on classical, pop, jazz, rock, folk and techno influences with playful invention.
Audio preview
Tracks
- Transylvanian Romp (for Michael) 1:57
- Siesta 3:50
- Jamaican Fumble 2:25
- The Beginning 2:08
- The Fruit 2:15
- The Rain 1:18
- The Lamb 2:06
- The Coat 1:24
- Fortress March (marcia) 1:05
- Astral Air (aria) 2:14
- Dungeon Master (nocturne) 3:04
- Midnight Snack (scherzo) 1:04
- Death by Pasta (tarantella) 2:07
- Around the World in 2 minutes... or less (bagatelle) 1:57
- Nightwalker (nocturne) 2:11
- Stop that! (theme and variations) 2:19
- The Hunt (nocturne) 2:22
- The Last Voyage (nocturne) 3:16
- Calling (marcia) 1:06
- Vision (dirge) 2:02
- Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum (jig) 2:25
- Rodeo (rondo) 2:34
- twinkling fairy :58
- flapping fairy :37
- dizzy fairy :51
- cuckoo fairy :46
- lonely fairy 1:12
- dripping fairy :40
- slimy fairy 1:01
- funky fairy :47
- morning fairy – not! 1:26
- hysterical fairy :27
- airy fairy 1:03
- jiggling fairy :47
- nagging fairy :26
- fishy fairy 1:10
- twirling fairy 2:11
- Preludio – fanfare (for Elizabeth) 3:55
- Intermezzo – angel (for Amy) 2:15
- Rondo – night dance 3:48
- Theme & 12 Deviations Sonny Chua 6:33
Red Hot Rhapsodies Sonny Chua
Genesis Sonny Chua
Scenes of Childhood Sonny Chua
Assorted Fairies Sonny Chua
Sonatina Sonny Chua
Performers
Contributors
Where to listen
Theme & Deviations is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Theme & Deviations is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
- Catalogue number
- MD 3230
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 78 minutes 2 seconds
- Credit
- Brett Kiteley
Martina Beilharz
Midnight Editions - Release date
- 18 Jul 2000
- Musical work
copyright - © 2000 Move Records
- Sound recording
copyright - ℗ 2000 Move Records
- Categories
- Australian, Classical, Keyboard
- Genre
- Contemporary Classical
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574323023
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