I see writing for small ensembles as an opportunity to explore the dramatic relationship between the performers - one of co-operation, conflict, attempts to communicate, separation, or exchange of roles. In this case the relationship is one of intense conflict, as in a duel, with periods of tense observation of the other leading up to a struggle. The struggle does not conclude. Instead the participants join in a lamentation. At the time of writing (winter 2008/9), we were living through a period of economic turmoil, and great dangers for many people. At the same time my elderly mother was suffering from a potentially fatal illness. The coincidence of these events affected my writing of the piece.