Rogue Emoji (2019) for mixed quartet (for Flute, Clarinet, Violin, and Cello) is a series of six miniatures which flow together without pause in a single trajectory about 14 minutes long. This hyper-lyrical work focuses on vivid colours and distinct textures/emotions in each of its movements, asking the question: How far can things fall apart, and ultimately come back together? Although things descend into complete chaos at the heart of the piece, with each instrument playing in their own world, they ultimately end with an expression of affirmation via a reprise of the first movement’s energy. The piece is therefore a celebration of finding one’s individual strength (and the ensemble’s collective resonance) out of chaos; unity out of disconnection; regeneration from dissolution; and communication (connection) out of alienation.

– Kati Agócs, 2023

Rogue Emoji was commissioned for Hub New Music in 2019 by Ashmont Hill Chamber Music (Boston, Massachusetts), with support from the Cricket Foundation.