Everything is Vibration

For Flute and Piano (6′)

Programme Note

The concept of frequencies and vibrations has important implications for our understanding of the universe. It suggests that the universe is not made up of discrete objects, but rather a continuous field of energy and vibration. Everything is connected and interdependent, with each part of the universe affecting every other part.” (Photon. (Feb. 24 2023) ‘The Harmonious Universe: Understanding how everything is made up of frequencies’, Medium. [online]

This piece is inspired by the notion that everything in the universe is connected through vibrations – from atoms, to sound waves, to living organisms and people. The opening explores intricate rhythmic ‘intermingling’ in the upper register of both the flute and piano, representative of atoms and particles ‘whizzing’ around in constant movement. At times, distinct and accented percussive moments cut through the texture, whilst a more slowly syncopated motif resonates like a sound wave or vibration, as if we can see single atoms or features of the universe suddenly illuminated amongst the complexity of the universe as a whole.

The calmer and slower central section explores more resonant and eerie harmony and alludes to this complex movement suddenly occurring in slow motion, in a more lyrical and expressive way. As the music becomes lively again, the rhythmic density of the opening is explored in the lower register of the piano, and the chaotic interplay between the flute and piano continues to develop, before finally dissipating into nothing at the very end.

*World premiere performance given by Iva Ugrčić and Satoko Hayami at the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta, Georgia on 10th August 2025.

Recording coming soon.