Blackwattle Caprices (1998)
(for Solo Guitar)

About 1994 I started composing for the guitar, never having done so before. In this new venture I received advice and encouragement from several Australian guitarists.

My first attempt was a Concerto for Guitar and Strings commissioned by Adrian Walter for John Williams, who gave the first performance with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra at the 1995 Darwin International Guitar Festival. This was followed by a performance of the concerto in Melbourne with Timothy Kain as soloist and it was Tim who, with Australia Council assistance, commissioned Blackwattle Caprices for solo guitar.

They’re light but intricate pieces, the first a song, the second a dance, or more exactly a maninya (Australian dance/chant). I live near Blackwattle Bay, an inlet of Sydney Harbour – hence the title.

Dedicated to Tim Kain

Commissioned with funds provided by Australia Council

First performance by Tim Kain and Belinda Webster - ABC Studio 200