Curl takes several fragments of Pergolesi, turning them over and transforming them into circling motifs. Hyperactive writing for the oboe alternates with suspended moments of rest. The tension builds until the music collapses into a series of steady and calm harmonic sequences, leading to a final reveal of the underlying Pergolesi.
Curl was written for the Britten Sinfonia’s Opus 1 composition scheme, and premiered at All Saints’ Church, Cambridge, on Saturday 21st September 2024 by Peter Facer (oboe), Joy Hawley (cello) and Iolo Edwards (percussion).