solos

Scores published and available for purchase from G.Schirmer/Wise Music , 13oder14 and the Australian Music Centre

Three Phase Sphere - (2022)

Commissioned by violist Fiona Winning for a premiere at Berwick Music in October 2022, this work uses recorded viola material to create an electronic pallet of sustained ambient sounds, sporadic pizzicato, long flowing melodies and unpitched sonorities. Over the top of this the viola presents three stanzas. Melodies that take the listener through different modes of expression and restfulness. BUY the Score/Part and Electronics

Instrumentation: Viola and electronics (tape part) Duration: 12min 30sec

Excite and Ionize the Flame - (2022)

Part of the FIRE cycle a 60 minute set of deep, low, lyrical and rhythmic solos and duos for bass and piano. From life-sustaining smoldering embers to raging bushfires. This solo plays with the image of the blue flame of fire, its beauty and ephemeral qualities.

Premiered in Hungry by the powerhouse bassist Uli Fussenegger. I first met Uli when I was a student in Vienna from 2005-2007 and am thrilled that this new work was be premiered by him. BUY the Score/Part.

Instrumentation: Double Bass. Duration: 8 min 30 sec

Trussed 2020

Commissioned by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra as part of their Australian Miniseries and premiered online on the 7th of Sept.

Trussed explores the idea of being constrained, musically and by the strings on the bass. The composer sees the work as the seed of a bass concerto and a companion to another short solo work, Bound for violin. BUY the SCORE/PART

I was most impressed by Luke Styles’ work “Trussed”. He named it after the captive state of the heavy strings of the Double Bass, often dubbed the “Ugly Duckling” of the orchestra. The work is a revelation with David Flynn emphasising the versatility of the instrument with alternating pizzicato and legato and frequent use of the lowest note of the orchestra. Exhilarating and definitely my favourite of a superb octet. - Tony Burke, ClassikON

Bound 2019

Commissioned by the Royal Academy of Music London as part of their Bicentennial celebrations in 2020. BUY the SCORE/PART Check out the RAM site for their 200 pieces project.

Instrumentation: Violin Duration: 2 min.

A Shot at the Stars 2015

Commissioned by the London Sinfonietta for their principal horn player Michael Thompson, the piece makes reference to Messiaen and Britten as it charts its own solo horn territory. BUY the SCORE/PARTS

Instrumentation: French Horn Duration: 5 min.

Parallax of Mars 2014

Commissioned by the London Sinfonietta for their principal bassist Enno Senft. Parallax of Mars for double bass is gruff, rough and lyrical. The double bass is played primarily in its lowest register in such a way that it gives a sense of struggle and urgency. This is counterbalanced with moments of lyrical music that reach into the higher "cello" register of the bass, offering moments of light and beauty. BUY the SCORE/PART

Instrumentation: Double bass. Duration: 7 min.

The Photocopier 2014

Commissioned by the London Sinfonietta as part of their Blue Touchpaper Scheme. This is a work for percussionist playing a photocopier. It is theatrical in its appearance and this can be emphasised in performance yet the piece involves no overt acting by the percussionist. For a copy of the score please contact Wise Music.

Instrumentation: Percussion. Duration: 9 min.

Learn More

Handspun (circus) 2012

Handspun was created together with the aerialist Ilona Jantti for the Royal Opera House in 2012. Since it’s London premiere the piece has gone on to performances around the world. BUY the SCORE/PART

Instrumentation: Cello. Duration: 25min

Play after Beckett (actor and musicians) 2006-2010

Four duos for one actor and one musician. For a copy of the score please contact Wise Music.

You Have a Bat: actor and percussion. On a Bench: actor and cello. You Have a Ball: actor and horn. At a Bench: actor and oboe.

Island Waltz 2009

Premiered at the Commonwealth People’s Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, Trinidad and Tobago, 23rd – 28th Nov 2009. Performed 24.01.10 at the Royal Over-Seas House, London. For a copy of the score please contact Wise Music.

Instrumentation: Piano. Duration: 4 min.

Silver Like Birches 2005

Composed as a valentines day gift for Ruth Mulvey, this is a short love song for a horn player. For a copy of the score please contact Wise Music.

Instrumentation: French Horn. Duration: 2 min.

8 Steps from Nothing 2005

For piano solo. Premiered at the Royal Northern College of Music, postcard project 2nd September 2005, by Kate Dixon. Performed 14.10.09 by Jacqueline Leung at the Lunchtime Concert Series, St. John's Cathedral, Hong Kong. For a copy of the score please contact Wise Music.

Instrumentation: Piano. Duration: 3 min.

Little Boy Lost 2004

Two songs setting text by Edward Blake. For the score please contact Wise Music.

Instrumentation: Soprano