Muse - a self portrait

Muse - a self portrait (2024)

-for Flute, Clarinet in Bb, Violin, Violoncello and Piano

Duration: approx. 13 minutes

Difficulty: Advanced

What is it to be a Muse? History tells of countless women who have served, loved, assisted, and inspired the great artists of the time- often their romantic partners- to creative heights. A necessary and pivotal puzzle piece in the elusive act of creation, too often she becomes a mere footnote once the art is revealed and the author recognised.

The goal of Muse- a self-portrait was to examine what it might be like to be one’s own Muse: to draw inspiration from one’s own work and journey, to trust that one’s view of self is an appropriate catalyst for artistic inspiration, and to recognise that a unique and identifiable artistic voice is a cornerstone of artistic maturity. This truth remains delicate and incredibly fragile. What will people think if I write what I like? Shouldn’t I look outward for inspiration… or is it safe to look inward?