The Scandal

"The Scandal" explores the intense feelings that accompany being part of, or a witness to, a scandal. The music begins with the piano addressing the scandal, using triadic chords in non-traditional combinations. It is percussive and sparse, reflective of the breaking news of a scandal. Then the cello joins, as if trying to provide an explanation for their part in the incident. Next, the violin joins the cello, seemingly in agreement with its story, but slowly this relationship erodes. The piano continues its interjections, arguing with both the violin and the cello throughout. Things become more intense as the fallout of the scandal progresses until the end, when all three are telling different versions of the same story, at times seeming to collaborate, at others, standing in stark opposition. The ending burns out, and we are left hanging, wondering what the next wave of the scandal will bring. Thank you to my wonderful performers, Samantha Kung (violin), Nathan Kwok (cello) and Catherine Teng (piano). Composed 2021, by Matthew-John Knights.