Such different paths for string septet

Such different paths was written for
Janine Jansen and Spectrum Concerts Berlin.
In Such different paths I have tried
to capture a sense of journey. The music itself is a building up of material,
or paths. The violins enter first, then the violas, then cellos and finally
double bass, each playing material which works by itself, but also together
with everything else. The music for the first half of the piece is very closely
scored, the cellos and violas play in their highest register. Melody lines are
passed from one instrument to another, making the Septet seem as if it is one
large string instrument. Progressively throughout the piece, the registers of
all instruments expand and the individual voice arises towards the end with the
solo violin. The work is coloured by various string techniques, often asking
the musicians to play as if on a viola da
gamba or a folk fiddle.