Swoop (2020)

for string quartet

Duration: 4’

Commissioned by and written for the Australian String Quartet as part of ASQ Encore

Program Note

Swoop is loosely inspired by two of my current interests: bluegrass music and a family of crows who nest outside my home. The piece makes high use of scooped notes, glissandi, and rapid descending patterns which (to my mind, at least) share comparison with the swooping motion of birds and the deflating sound of the crow call.

I’ve become rather fond of the crow family, and watching from my window has become part of my composing ritual over the last couple of months. Sudden shrieks and caws are often confused with my neighbour’s baby! The work quite literally swoops and sweeps in different directions throughout, before holding down a sustained groove.

Performances

20 July 2024, Christensen/Balkizas/Justo/Cobcroft, Mackay Chamber Music Festival, Ooralea, QLD

6 June 2024, Orava Quartet, Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, QLD

1 May 2024, Ellery Quartet, Canberra International Music Festival, ACCC, ACT

21 March 2024, Orava Quartet, Bowral Autumn Music Festival, NSW

8 September 2023, Partridge Quartet, Melbourne Athenaeum Library, VIC

5 September 2023, Partridge Quartet, Noisy Ritual Urban Winery, Melbourne, VIC

5 November 2022, Australian String Quartet, The Lab/Light Cultural Foundation, Adelaide, SA

4 April 2022, Australian String Quartet, Dunkeld Festival of Music, Mt Sturgeon Woolshed, VIC

2 April 2022, Australian String Quartet, Dunkeld Festival of Music, Mt Sturgeon Woolshed, VIC

4 February 2022, Australian String Quartet, UKARIA Cultural Centre, Mt Barker, SA

1 February 2022, Australian String Quartet, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, SA - World Premiere

30 January 2022, Sydney Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, Sydney Festival, Speakers Corner, Sydney NSW