Works

Grama/Loka is inspired by the words of composer and philosopher Dane Rudhyar, who describes the ancient Indian concept of “Grama” as both a musical and societal microcosm-an interconnected system where each element plays a vital role, forming a unified whole. In this work, the electric guitar represents “Loka” (the broader world) – tuned to the natural harmonic series of D, evoking the organic and fluid nature of cosmic order. 

The bassoons emerge from the guitar’s resonances, each group introduced through various open-string patterns. These textures mirror the dynamic relationships within a village (“grama”), where diverse elements circulate and interact as a living system: a vibratory web of energies.

Treasures in a Labyrinth draws inspiration from the famous board game, transforming its dynamic interplay into a sonic journey through an ever-shifting maze. Four players embark on a journey to uncover six separate treasures, navigating an unstable landscape where pathways transform with each step. The Bass Flautist acts as the guardian spirit of the maze, embodying the treasures themselves with various multiphonics which shift as players claim their rewards. Positioned at the centre, the flautist becomes the axis of the labyrinth, the players’ destination, yet also the force that controls their journey. The flautist dictates when paths begin, and once a treasure is found, a moment of unison occurs before the next search begins. Over time, the players begin to mirror the flautist’s timbres, dissolving the boundary between seeker and sought while rhythmic units and tempos accelerate as players grow familiar with the labyrinth. A space of uncertainty, change, and choice. A labyrinth’s pathways, like life’s decisions, shift with every step, reflecting the impermanence of direction, yet embracing transformation.

In my work, I like to highlight socio-economic and political issues that are pressing in society: and for me there is no more profound call to action than the dwindling numbers of wildlife on our planet. This work focuses on specific endangered species from Brazil’s most threatened biome: The Atlantic Forest. With 90% of its original forest extension having been destroyed due to human intervention, ‘this level of deforestation has cut the level of species living at specific sites by an average of more than 70%, leading to more species becoming threatened’.

This work explores the perilous dynamic between man and nature, from a vibrant rainforest teeming with life in the first movement, to the subsequent interplay between man and species following the intrusive human invasion represented by the String Quintet in the Second Movement. It ends with a mournful lament as the animals’ cries fade to nothingness…a call to action to safeguard our planet’s rich tapestry of life before it’s too late.

Many thanks to the following Ecologists whose recordings I’ve been inspired by:

Melissa Pons, Charles W.Snowdon, Henry Miller Alexandre, Caio Brito, Ronald I.Crombie, Gabriel Leite.

Programme Notes:

zany

/ˈ

zeɪni/

a d j e c t i v e

amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic.

zigzag

/ˈ

zɪɡzaɡ/

n o u n

a line of course having abrupt alternate right and left turns.

zest

/zɛst/

n o u n

1. great enthusiasm and energy.
2. the outer coloured part of the peel of citrus fruit, used as flavouring.

D e f i n i t i o n s f r o m O x f o rd L a n g u a g e s

Programme Notes: 

The title of this piece refers to the book by Ned Vizzini about a teenager named Craig who suffers from depression and has suicidal thoughts. These suicidal thoughts lead him to check into a mental hospital where he stays for five days under surveillence. Along the way he meets patients who suffer from similar mental illnesses who help eachother get through the pain. After the 5 days he leaves and becomes a lot more hopeful to be alive, as described in the book he finds an ‘anchor’ (a constant or something to latch onto), in this case his love for drawing. In this piece I aim to present through music the way 3 characters in the book express their mental illness in different ways in a Theme and Variations format. In the 4th section there is a release of tension with all the previous themes coming together encompassing a hopeful ending.

Mental illnesses amongst young people is a common and serious issue today which I feel very passionate about. Approximatley 20% of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. I wanted to reflect the underlying optimism portrayed in the book towards the end of my piece symbolizing that through helping one another, patients of mental ilnesses can be cured and have a more positive outlook on life.

Details of the three characters in order in the piece:

Craig Gilner: Craig suffers from suicidal thoughs and depression. He is very insular, withdrawn and observant to those around him in the mental hospital. He frequently goes into a spiralling cycle of anxious thoughts in the future. If he doesn’t go to this summer application he feels his whole life will be ruined. To him it’ll mean that he won’t be able to get a good job and then won’t be able to have a good lifestyle, which will then lead to ending up in a mental hospital his whole life.

With Craig each anxious thought leads to other anxious thoughts leading to him over-worrying about the future.

Bobby: Bobby is a big presence and a dark comedic who seems calm and collected at first to Craig but when Bobby’ has a burst of anger after feeling like he’s screwed up an interview, it brings into focus again the seriousness of his mental illness. Even when someone looks calm and collected, there might be deeper emotions bubbling under the surface. The way Bobby shows his anxiety is externally through outbursts of anger; angry thoughts ready to explode when he’s not happy with himself.

Noelle: Noelle is a self-harmer who disfigures her face with scissors because she doesn’t want to be sexually abused or assaulted by anyone. She wishes not to be beautiful so men won’t violate her. This is a fear of many woman around the world in some countries more than others. Furthermore, she finds lots of expectations of her overwhelming which causes her to self -harm as if she is wearing her depression. In the book Criag and Noelle fall in love and find comfort through being with eachother, not hiding who they are as they help eachother to recover without feeling judged.

The novel was inspired by Vizzinis own experiences during his hospitalisation for depression in November 2004. Unfortunatley, Vizzini died of suicide on 19th December, 2013. Therefore, this composition as well depicting mental illness and the triumph of overcoming it, is an ode to Vizzini himself. As this book has felt very important to me as it not only increases awareness of teenage mental health but sends an important message: that anyone can undergoe a transformation to beat mental illness which should be celebrated.

“He who is not busy being born is busy dying” – Bob Dylan – Vizzini references this quote is in the book and is also used in the film adaptation.