I love trying different tunings on the fiddle when composing, as it brings you to unexpected places. There is an element of not knowing what you’re doing and surprise notes and chords popping out, and you can jump on them and go somewhere you haven’t before! This piece is certainly inspired by one of the fiddle’s greatest tunes and one of my favourite pieces – The Hangman’s Reel – and also uses classical techniques like ricochet (bouncing the bow) and pizzicato (plucking the strings). I performed this piece for the first time at the Willie Clancy Summer School fiddle recital and it was a heart-stopping moment performing for a room full of fiddle enthusiasts! A fun piece!
