Tempus Fugit for horn and piano translates to “Time Flies,” written for ANAM graduate Madeleine Aarons. When I first heard Maddy play, I was amazed at her strength, technical excellence, and musicality, and I wanted this piece to demonstrate those qualities in her playing. The commission for this piece came during a year of extreme busyness alternating with calm, and the phrase “time flies” relates to that feeling of moving forward in time. Musically, the piece includes a short fugal section, as a nod to a previous composition of mine for horn and piano, and a chance to demonstrate both players’ virtuosity.

Commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) as part of the ANAM Set 2025 and written for Madeleine Aarons, with its world premiere during ANAM’s 2025 recital season at the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne. The ANAM Set 2025 is generously supported by the Anthony and Sharon Lee Foundation.

The ANAM Set 2025 was recorded in the Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre by ABC Classic - Duncan Yardley, Producer and Russell Thomson, Audio Engineer. Performed by Madeleine Aarons, horn and Leigh Harrold, piano.

Instrumentation: horn, piano

Duration: 7 minutes