Why The Platypus?

Why the Platypus? A piece for solo baritone ukulele using open E tuning (E,G#, B, E). Written for and dedicated to my friend Esther. When nearing the end of her struggle with cancer Esther told me in typical upbeat tone, ‘Don’t worry! Now I get to ask, why the platypus?’ I had to think about that for a while but then I realised this question was not only a reflection of Esther’s faith, but her curiosity about life. Why the platypus? soon emerged as the perfect title for a piece. I wanted to compose a work which celebrated the characteristics I had come to associate with Esther ~ curiosity, determination, thoughtfulness and her unwavering positivity.

For advanced classical / fingerstyle ukulele players. There are 12 pages including performance notes. The music is in notation (for baritone) and tab (which can be played on a standard ukulele tuned to open A ~ A, C#, E, A).