Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Stepping Out is about finding independence, being bold, and taking the risk of responsibility. I've recently been recognising my decision to move away from the safety of my family and home in Port Macquarie to pursue a compositional career in Sydney; it's a scary and wonderfully exciting journey to step into the unknown and find your own path. This piece, composed for The ANAM Set (2021), is my first substantial commission without the support of a mentor guiding me throughout the process, and it's a similarly challenging experience to lose the safety net of supervision and take on the responsibility of answering questions like: Is this good? Is this my voice? Will my peers approve? Should I care if they don't? I've expressed these ideas by capturing a relentless, raw and untamed youthful energy throughout the work. While the rhythmic drive is often surging forward, the unpredictable nature of the harmonic and melodic direction creates a sense of uncertainty. This chaotic unfolding illustrates the lack of guidance at this stage in life, followed by a moment of deep reflection, and ultimately an acceptance of the journey ahead.

Work Details

Year: 2021

Instrumentation: Violin, piano.

Duration: 7 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Dedication note: Dedicated to Patrick Baker, for his endless support through every step of my musical development.

Written for: Lynda Latu

Commission note: Commissioned by The ANAM Set, Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) with funds provided by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.. Commissioned by The ANAM Set, Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) with funds provided by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.