Octandre Ensemble
Composition
Photograph Credit: Cathy Pyle, octandre.com
As part of my ongoing studies on the University of York's MA Music: Composition programme, I have composed a short duet for Viola and Violoncello to be workshopped and performed by the Octandre Ensemble.
The piece, Refraction, explores sonic distortion, taking the geometry of the Circle of Fifths and bending it through the opposing textures of the viola and cello. By sliding between notes and introducing rhythmic symmetry to the psychoacoustic beating of microtones, the duet drives a compelling story from harmony to disharmony, and back.
Refraction
Recorded at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York on Nov 25, 2025.
Viola: Richard Jones Ligeti Quartet
Violoncello: Corentin Chassard Octandre Ensemble
Watch the full performance video on YouTube here.
Refraction marks the first time that I have approached composition with paper and pens, rather than through a piece of software. Removing both the ability to digitally synthesise what I have just written and the need to immediately fix any engraving errors proved incredibly beneficial for my writing - this was unexpected for me. Of course, there are moments where being able to hear what you have on the paper is also beneficial, but allowing a separation between score and sound was a really freeing experience. I could chase the sound I was after in my head, rather than searching the depths of notation software and hoping the sound will appear in front of me.
This approach is still new for me - and my notes are certainly not as thorough as they could be - but I am hopeful that it will aid in broadening my compositional repertoire and adventuring organically in future projects.
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