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“Cypher” has numerous definitions but the one that remained in the forefront of my thoughts was “a secret code of writing”, or the “process of converting ordinary language into code”. The opening harp material essentially operates as a “cypher” through which other material is coded. Each time the cypher returns the music that follows it has been changed, and as the cypher periodically returns it too is subject to subtle changes. Lighter textures are juxtaposed with denser textures where several conflicting passages are presented simultaneously. The final appearance of the cypher, this time with different orchestration, leads to an uncertain close on a solo violin.
Steven Berryman 