Swoop (2020)
(for string quartet)

Swoop is loosely inspired by two of my current interests: bluegrass music and a family of crows who nest outside my home. The piece makes high use of scooped notes, glissandi, and rapid descending patterns which (to my mind, at least) share comparison with the swooping motion of birds and the deflating sound of the crow call.

I’ve become rather fond of the crow family, and watching from my window has become part of my composing ritual over the last couple of months. Sudden shrieks and caws are often confused with my neighbour’s baby! The work quite literally swoops and sweeps in different directions throughout, before holding down a sustained groove.

Holly Harrison

Commissioned by the Australian String Quartet