The title of this work is partly inspired by reading Nicholas Humphrey’s book The Inner Eye (1986) which analyses the social function of intellect. Humphrey describes human consciousness as an ‘inner eye’ which allows awareness of thought processes, sense perceptions and emotions. This idea, also known as the ‘mind’s eye’ is variously interpreted in numerous religious traditions as well, where the general belief is that an invisible eye provides perception beyond usual sight. With this inspiration in mind, the music of Inner Eye intends to convey that subtle ‘looking out’ onto the world behind a foreground narrative led by the solo violin (as protagonist). The ensemble is often in shadow to this central figure which experiences diverse emotions. 
 
Another idea at play in this piece is the musical tradition of mirror canon, most meticulously executed in J.S. Bach’s Quaerendo invenietis from ‘A Musical Offering’ (1747). In a mirror canon, the leading voice is echoed in inversion, that is, essentially turned upside down. In Inner Eye, a mirror-canon structure can be heard in the second section, introduced by the first and second violins and then taken up by the whole ensemble. 
 
Commissioned by MLC School, Sydney and performed at the MLC School Biennial Sydney Opera House Concert in 2015.