Troubleshooting

troubleshoot (vb.): "to trace and correct faults in a mechanical or electronic system."

Troubleshooting is a work for two violins and piano that explores the idea of glitching and mechanical errors in the context of acoustic sounds and human performers. The contrast between something mechanical (fixed, flawless, inexpressive) and something human (fluid, flawed, expressive) is a recurring theme in my music. Here, the music attempts to flow, develop ideas and express itself but is continually thrown off by glitches: pauses, repetitions and awkwardly stuttering grooves. The performers’ job is trace these faults and find a way to make the music ‘work’.

Troubleshooting was premiered in Cambridge in March, 2018, performed by Harry Castle (vln I), Naomi Warburton (vln II) and Toby Hession (pno). It won the 2018 Clare Composition Competition.