I wrote this piece in 2016 for a brief set by composer and Oxford University professor, Robert Saxton, where the task was to write a passacaglia. "Three Threads" is comprised of three main sections, taking the idea of a repeating theme from a passacaglia.  The first section is solo piano and is written around a repeating harmonic progression; the second is a common ground bass written for the ensemble only and the third section has a repeated harmonic rhythm in the piano and is written for all instruments.

Performance by the Philomel Ensemble, conducted by Edward Longstaff.
Artwork by Eric Wei

Three Threads

This piece was written in 2017 for "Oil Room"; an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery London by Robert Wilson. The story behind its writing is quite funny because the one instillation I chose to write my piece on, after seven years of being exhibited, was decommissioned mid-project for an exhibition by Tsuyoshi Maekawa.  This was the inspiration for the story of "Oil Escape".  Composed for flute, oboe and bassoon; the piece starts by depicting the calmness and reflectiveness of Wilson's Oil Room. It then moves on to describe the oil escaping in little droplets from the gallery to make way for the new exhibition by Tsuyoshi Maekawa.  The piece finishes by illustrating Maekawa’s lively colourful paintings; a stark contrast to the calm reflective Oil Room. The players who were initially offstage were asked to walk on during the held F# in the bassoon, after the oil escapes, and take their places beside Maekawa’s paintings. 

Performed by Music off Canvass.
Artwork by Eric Wei

Theodorou: Living Coiled

Oil Escape

This piece was composed in 2018 based on the Maya Angelou poem "Touched by an Angel".  The piece focuses on the passage "we unaccustomed to courage, exiles from delight live coiled". The composition uses extended techniques on the piano to give the piece an eeriness, including glissandos across the inside of the piano and placing pencils on the strings.  

Performed by Natalie Raybould as soprano and Magdalene Ho on piano.
Artwork by Eric Wei

Living Coiled

This piece was written in 2018 for The Purcell School junior sinfonia orchestra.  It depicts a forest filled with different mythological creatures in through composed sections. The piece starts with an introduction of the forest: ‘Into the Forest’, then expresses the cheekiness of gnomes, the anger and might of trolls, sprite-like pixies and finally a dormant dragon who awakens to take flight.  

Performance by the Purcell School sinfonia orchestra, conducted by Edward Longstaff.
Artwork by Eric Wei.

Fantasy Overture

A clarinet trio (clarinet, cello and piano) composed 2018-19 compromised of three movements: Where Winter Starts, Winter & When Winter Ends.

It depicts the seasonal changes from autumnal reds into the bleakness and severity of deep winter, through to the return of life and colour in spring.

Performance by Lily Payne (clarinet), Tianao Pan (cello) and Magdalene Ho (piano)
Artwork by Eric Wei

Winter Trio

An arrangement of the first movement of a String Quartet for String Orchestra composed towards the end of 2019. It is a depiction of a the struggle to grasp hope.

Performed by members of the Echo Ensemble and students of the Purcell School, conducted by Noah Max.
Artwork by Eric Wei.

First Movement Of String Quartet (arr. String Orchestra)

I wrote this piece in quarantine (2020)as part of a project for Robert Saxton, inspired by the stars I can see from the little skylight in my room. It is about looking up into space and appreciating it for its wonder, humbleness and vast darkness.

Performance by Firoze Madon.
Artwork by Eric Wei.

Standing Under

I am a year 12 composer at the Purcell School of Music, UK. This page is just to share a bit of my music. If you would like to contact me, please feel free to use philipt@purcell-school.org or me@philiptheodorou.com.

P.F. Theodorou

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