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 first four études – using a novel technique, the violinist sustains hushed three-note chords in a serene and meditative atmosphere.
Études 5 & 6 (2020)
5 – This is why violinists practise scales: descending scales cascade down the instrument in an indistinct blur, moving upwards while travelling down, bits of the scales gradually falling off.
6 – Two, three, four-note chords descending in a baroque lament. Towards the end, things get a bit slidey.
Études 7 & 8 (2026)
7 – Constantly switching between arco and pizzicato, this étude is a punchy, weighty dance. Like a giant trying to dance a jig.
6 – Rapid, glassy string crossing. There is a constant E string sounding throughout the whole étude, around which the harmony turns.
Instrumentation:
solo violin
Duration:
18 mins
(in total – études can be performed individually or in any combination)
Commission:
Études 1 & 2 written for Sarah Hill. Études 3-6 commissioned by London Sinfonietta. Études 7-8 commissioned by Fenella Humphreys with support from The Fidelio Charitable Trust and Wigmore Hall
Performances:
12 Jun 2026
Fenella Humphreys
Wigmore Hall, London, UK (Nos. 1,3,7 & 8)
World premiere of Études 7-8
24 Sep 2022
Darragh Morgan
Watchtower Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed, UK (Nos. 5-6)
25 Mar 2022
Fenella Humphreys
‘Caprices’ album launch, Escape Arts Centre, Tonbridge, UK (No. 1)
3 Feb 2022
Darragh Morgan
London Sinfonietta YouTube live event, King’s Place, London, UK (Nos. 5-6)
1 Feb 2022
Darragh Morgan
Chapel Royal, Brighton, UK (No. 6)
6 Dec 2021
Darragh Morgan
London Sinfonietta private event, King’s Place, London, UK (Nos. 5-6)
World premiere of Études 5-6
10 Jun 2020
Jonathan Morton
London Sinfonietta livestream (Nos. 3&4)
19 Nov 2020
Yoon Jin Kim
Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Centre, South Korea (Nos. 1-4)
South Korean premiere of Nos. 1-4)
3 Nov 2019
Fenella Humphreys
Clapham Omnibus Theatre, London, UK (Nos. 1-4)
12 May 2019
Daniel Pioro
Greene Room at King’s Arms, Berkhamstead, UK (Nos. 1-4)
24 April 2019
Daniel Pioro
Trinity College Cambridge, UK (Nos. 1-4)
12 Jan 2018
Lost Dog New Music Ensemble
Tenri Cultural Institute, New York NY, USA (Nos. 1-4)
USA premiere of Études 2-4
24 July 2016
Daniel Pioro
The Chapel, Norwich, UK
9 February 2016
Jonathan Morton
London Sinfonietta Concert, Southwark Playhouse, London, UK (Études 3-4)
14 June 2015
Jonathan Morton
Aldeburgh Festival lunch, UK (Études 3-4)
23 July 2014
Jonathan Morton
London Sinfonietta ‘World Premiere Wednesdays’, King’s Place, London, UK (Nos. 3-4)
World premiere of Études 3-4
13 April 2013
Tom Norris
LSO Aftershock, Barbican Centre Foyer, London, UK (Nos. 1-2)
3 November 2011
Daniel Mihai
Vox Novus Tour, George Enescu University of Music, Bucharest, Romania (No. 1)
1 November 2011
Daniel Mihai
Vox Novus Tour, National College of Art ‘Regina Maria’, Constanta, Romania (No. 1)
Romanian premiere
15 May 2011
Conway Kuo
Jan Hus Church, New York NY, USA (No. 1)
USA premiere of No. 1
4 June 2010
Sarah Hill
Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Manchester, UK (Nos. 1-2)
19 March 2010
Sarah Hill
Cosmo Rodewald Hall, Manchester, UK (Nos. 1&2)
World premiere of Nos. 1&2)