Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

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Work Overview

21/30 (a fragment) is a testament to the notion that something meaningful can emerge even from the smallest of ideas. The piece serves as an encouragement to explore and approach seemingly small ideas with curiosity- to expand, develop, and bring them to their full potential. In essence, the title 21/30 (a fragment) refers to a note at the top of the manuscript, where the opening motif was written many months before the rest of the piece came to fruition. It was the 21st day of a 30-day composition-writing unit, and at the time, the idea remained just a fragment. However, upon discovering and revisiting the notes on the manuscript months later, I felt compelled to develop and expand the music-to see where each element could lead. The phrase contained so much intrigue and promising material to explore; it felt almost like an unanswered question, akin to a musical invitation. The motif itself is somewhat despairing: a quick burst followed by a lingering ring-out. However, the succeeding music meanders and weaves through many moods and colours, eventually assuming a more joyous and triumphant character. Although the opening motif appears in full only twice, remnants echo and underpin the music throughout, as though the idea is never too far away.

Work Details

Year: 2025

Instrumentation: Oboe, piano.

Duration: 6 min.

Difficulty: Advanced — AMEB Grade 6 for Oboe

Commission note: commissioned by Jasper Ly as part of the “Tenera” concert program

First performance: by Jasper Ly, Peter Dumsday — 9 Aug 25. Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm, VIC