Études 1 & 2 (2010)
1 – Glissandi – upwards, downwards and in contrary motion – evoke the sounds of jet engines, formula one cars and Jimi Hendrix’s performance of ‘Star Spangled Banner’.
2 – A cycle of quavers played pizzicato has its timings twisted and bent out of shape to become stuttering, rushed and erratic.
Études 3 & 4 (2014)
3 – This étude is obsessive, strident and dissonant – as loud, accented notes gradually become infected by chains of semiquavers.
4 – The most unusual of the four études – using a novel technique, the violinist sustains hushed three-note chords in a serene and meditative atmosphere.
Buy score from Faber Music
Performances:
Fenella Humphreys, ‘Caprices’ album launch, Escape Arts Centre, Tonbridge, UK
10 Jun 2020
(Nos. 3-4 only)
Jonathan Morton, London Sinfonietta livestream
Yoon Jin Kim, Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Centre, South Korea
Korean premiere
Fenella Humphreys, Clapham Omnibus Theatre, London, UK
Daniel Pioro, Greene Room at King’s Arms, Berkhamstead, UK
Daniel Pioro, Trinity College, Cambridge, UK
Lost Dog New Music Ensemble, Tenri Cultural Institute, New York NY, USA
USA premiere of Études 2-4
Daniel Pioro, The Chapel, Norwich, UK
9 Feb 2016
(Nos. 3-4 only)
Jonathan Morton, London Sinfonietta Concert, Southwark Playhouse, London, UK
14 June 2015
(Nos. 3-4 only)
Jonathan Morton, Aldeburgh Festival lunch, UK
23 July 2014
(Nos. 3-4 only)
Jonathan Morton, London Sinfonietta ‘World Premiere Wednesdays’, King’s Place, London, UK
World premiere of Études 3&4
13 April 2013
(Nos. 1-2 only)
Tom Norris, LSO Aftershock, Barbican Centre Foyer, London, UK
3 November 2011
(No. 1 only)
Daniel Mihai, Vox Novus Tour, George Enescu University of Music, Bucharest, Romania
3 November 2011
(No. 1 only)
Daniel Mihai, Vox Novus Tour, National College of Art ‘Regina Maria’, Constanta, Romania
Romanian premiere
Conway Kuo, Jan Hus Church, New York NY, USA
USA premiere
4 June 2010
(Nos. 1-2 only)
Sarah Hill, Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Manchester UK
19 March 2010
(Nos. 1-2 only)
Sarah Hill, Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Manchester UK
World premiere of Études 1&2