
Dying of the Light is suitable for pianists wishing to incorporate reflection and social commentary into their repertoire. A tribute to HIV sufferers and a response to the hysteria and bigotry surrounding the disease, an extramusical trajectory is clear here, particularly at the end - despite bursts of life and attempts of will to overcome decay, death overtakes. Yet beyond the sense of tragedy and outrage at untimely suffering and death, there is a feeling of transcendent positivity.
Brenton Broadstock is an Australian composer.
