Australian classical composer Peter Sculthorpe has died, aged 85

CLASSICAL composer Peter Sculthorpe, who has died after a long illness, over six decades changed Australia’s musical landscape forever.

A great Australian ... Composer Peter Sculthorpe at work in his studio in Woollahra, Sydney.

CLASSICAL composer Peter Sculthorpe has been lauded as a musical giant following his death.

The 85-year-old Sculthorpe died in Sydney on Friday morning after a long illness.

Over six decades of a rich musical career, Sculthorpe changed Australia’s music landscape forever. He will be forever remembered for his orchestral and chamber work, particularly his Sun Music series which evoked the Australian landscape like no-one had before.

Sculthorpe. What a life! A risk-taking artist who was recognised in his own lifetime! Quite an achievement! #sculthorpe

— Michael Cathcart (@CathcartMichael) August 8, 2014

Born in Tasmania, he studied in post-war London before returning to Australia, joining the University of Sydney’s music department in 1963.

“He was an outstanding composer and a delightful man, who has built the music foundations of this university over several decades,” vice-chancellor Michael Spence said.

“Professor Sculthorpe is such a huge loss, but at the same time he leaves such a big music legacy.”

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and federal Arts Minister George Brandis said Australia had lost a “musical giant”.

“Peter Sculthorpe sought to render into music the earth, sea, sky and history of our country,” they said.

“Our country is forever richer because of him.”

died after a long illness ... Classical composer Peter Sculthorpe with his piece titled 'Song of the Yarra' for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Picture: Katrina Tepper

They singled out Sculthorpe’s Sun Music series of compositions from the 1960s as “the dawning of the first identifiably Australian sound in classical music”.

Hoping Peter Sculthorpe gets a state funeral, and condolence motion in federal and state parliament #sculthorpe

— Greg Stephens (@gstephenstweets) August 8, 2014

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the composer was a fantastic ambassador for the northern Tasmania city throughout his life.

“His works as a composer have been lauded around the globe, and he was always proud of his association with Launceston,” Cr van Zetten said.

Sculthorpe’s catalogue consists of more than 350 pieces ranging from solos to orchestral works and opera.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977 and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1990.

The National Trust named Sculthorpe one of its living national treasures in 1997.

RIP #petersculthorpe Australian Composer extraordinaire.

— Helena Cavan (@HelenaCavan) August 8, 2014

Evoked in music the sound of the Australian landscape like no-one had before ... Classical composer Peter Sculthorpe has died.

Originally published as Australian classical composer Peter Sculthorpe has died, aged 85