Rat Race

Rat race was composed in 2025.

Duration: c. 3 minutes 15 seconds

Solo part avaliable in bass clef and treble clef.

This piece is inspired by the idiom 'rat race' which refers to the highly competitive struggle for power and wealth, and the endless grind to keep up with the competition and achieve success. It refers to this repetitive race, as well as the idea that the more success is achieved, the more incessant the race gets - and the loop goes on and on.

The piece reflects this through it's consistent driving rhythms, sudden changes, and swings between consonant and dissonant harmony. This represents the good and the bad - the satisfaction you get from achieving success, as well as the growing pressure to work harder with seemingly no end in sight.

Performances:

Name (euphonium), Agnes Kristianto (piano). July 5, 2026. The Hall, Glebe, Sydney, Australia. International premiere.

Price: $50 AUD