In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete. Its function was to hold the Minotaur – the half-bull, half-man monster eventually killed by the hero Theseus. The design of the structure was so complex it was all but impossible to escape.

This piece reflects the architecture of the labyrinth with twists and turns, loops and detours. The agitato quaver motif introduced by the cellos at the beginning of the piece is taken up by the other instruments but never quite resolves. The mood of the piece is often dark, with moments of calm interspersed with driving rhythms and expressive melodic lines.

Labyrinth is written for advanced string orchestra, and requires a high level of technical facility by all players. Each section is show-cased equally, and there is no doubling of parts for viola or double bass.