On the surface, Dive Bomb depicts a magpie in swooping season, a time each spring with which Melbourne cyclists are familiar. It is also a comment on ‘instinct’ and those triggers (both positive and unhelpful) which kick-start a series of actions.

Written for unaccompanied cello and lasting around seven minutes, Dive Bomb was composed for and dedicated to cellist Zoe Knighton, with support from the APRA Art Music Fund. It sits at an advanced level, suited to tertiary and professional players.

A short, self-contained work for solo cello that might open or close a recital. Its length and character make it a useful contemporary Australian item in a mixed program and an advanced study in sustained single-line writing.