Threads of the Social

For any group of bowed strings. Written for LSTwo ensemble and performed Leeds 29/4/2017. This piece is an open score, where players are in tension between principles they must adhere to, and behaviours which are optional and can be crafted differently according to their preference. The starting point is the pitch ‘A’, which is a common to the harmonic series of several different notes: such as 2nd and 4th partial of A, 3rd harmonic of D, but also more exotic partials requiring retuned strings, 7th of a slightly sharp B, 5th of minutely sharp F. Each player uses only one string, which must have an ‘A’ harmonic. The piece is structured around a series of solos, where players work with the harmonics of their string, and these are played against a backdrop of competing harmonies, all connected by ‘A’ but liable to split into factions at any time by the competing pressures and opportunities offered by the score.