*Written for Meagan Foster and Caroline Holloway Imrie for the Orford Musique 2026 Composition & Contemporary Music Workshop

Katabasis (Ancient Greek: "A Descent") refers to the successful journey to and from the underworld, taken by a few ancient mythological heroes. Mythological figures who completed a Katabasis faced immense psychological trauma and were forced to grapple with their mortality and deep regrets during their time in the afterlife.

This piece follows a Katabasis, a descent into the underworld and return to the real world whilst still alive. Drawing on ideas of mortality, a looming death, as well as a new appreciation for life.