The Beast

The Beast was composed in 2025 for solo bass trombone with piano accompaniment.

This score is in concert pitch.

Total Duration: c. 9 minutes 45 seconds.

Movement 1: c. 3 minutes 50 seconds.

Movement 2: c. 2 minutes 45 seconds.

Movement 3: c. 3 minutes 35 seconds.

This solo takes inspiration from the number 666, known as the number of the beast.

This number, and the idea of the beast, has become synonomous with the end of times and with the ideas of darkness and evil. This solo aims to capture this idea through its use of dissonance and clashing harmonies, disjointed rhythms, extremes in register and technique to create a sense of intensity.

The number 6 is used thematically throughout all three movements - utilising a 6/8 time signature, intervals of both a 6th and 6 semitones, as well as being based on hexatonic scales (namely, whole tone scales).

Performances:

Dan McMahon (bass trombone), Agnes Kristianto (piano). July 5 2026. The Hall, Glebe, Sydney, Australia. International Premiere.