The compositions in this portfolio have been inspired by magic, nature, spirituality, boundaries, perception and the self. The themes are explored in two ways: either directly within the works, or through un-scored live performances and field recordings. The idea of using composition as a way of identifying and understanding our deeply subjective experience of being human is developed within these pages. A suggestion is made that both composition and improvisation can be used as part of an overall holistic approach that helps bridge and integrate the physical material world of nature and everyday life with the non-physical world of dreams, alternative realities and magic.Many cultural theorists, philosophers and writers have noted that the modern age in which we live has resulted in a sense of existential dislocation and disconnection betweenpeople.1Within this portfolio an attempt is made to address this disconnect.Within the works themselvesare pieces inspired by specific locations or specific spiritual traditions from around the world. Many of the pieces are also directly inspired by myown explorations of nature and how this affects and relates to the inner self. The pieces are acoustic in the main, but some have electronic elements. Many of the pieces require unconventional concert hall layouts in an attempt to experiment with audience perceptionand boundariesand other pieces require the performances to take place in outdoor locations at specific times of the day or year.