Shape of the Human Hand
for solo viola (2025)
duration: 5’
GRT • 241
score available from
Australian Music Centre
program note
The human hand is a source of intrigue and wonder. Its shape is defined by a palm and wrist, 4 fingers and a thumb (also considered one of five fingers). The length of finger joints (getting shorter toward the fingertip) has a Fibonacci ratio. It’s hard not to view it as a wonder of evolutionary design. It’s one of the traits that defines humans. In the art world, the human hand is considered a challenge to draw; the detail and proportions being variable yet particular. It’s at the core of our sense of touch and has so many cultural connections from handshakes to clapping, sign language, emotional expression, catching balls and playing musical instruments. This work for solo viola was commissioned by Ed Le Brocq in 2025 and utilises a variety of string techniques, forming a dance between the left and right hand – all in praise of the shape of the human hand.