If you close your eyes to the gentle sounds of Rose Riebl’s Comosa, you can’t help but be transported to the ocean’s edge; soft orchestral strings layer rhythmic octaves from a piano, echoing the ebb and flow of the ocean current and sunlight scattering beneath the waves. The original aural piece was composed for our Mark of a Milestone project, inspired by the undulating ribbons of our new brand symbol. 

As a post-classical composer and pianist, Rose has been perfecting her art since the age of five and has since performed her music across the globe, from Australia to Asia and beyond. With the ocean as her muse, her sound is visceral and transcendent, moving listeners into emotional realms. 

Having collaborated with Rose on various musical accompaniments to SARAH & SEBASTIAN’s Now You See Me film series, we are thrilled to work with her again on a piece that celebrates the next phase of our evolution. Here, we speak to the Melbourne-based musician about her craft, creative process and personal connection to the ocean. 

“I just play freely and uninhibited, without judging the process or rushing through it.”

Tell us about your rise and evolution as a musician—how did you get into the world of piano and what are some recent career highlights? 

I started playing the piano when I was very young and spent many years in the classical world. Since my focus has shifted to being a composer I’ve had this whole new love affair with the instrument. I’ve performed in some of my favourite concert halls as well as in unexpected places.

A recent career highlight was seeing a feature film I’d scored on the big screen— it was my 10-month-old daughter’s first trip to the cinema. 

Rose Riebl in her studio

Rose wearing the Gossamer Ring

“In my work, there is a real worship of tides, the ocean, its creatures and reefs and while it isn’t specifically about nature, I am endlessly inspired by it.”

Tell us about your creative process—what is your starting point for composing a piece of music?

I always start with the instrument—I just play freely and uninhibited, without judging the process or rushing through it. For this piece, I spent a lot of time imagining being in the ocean, and the textures and theme emerged from there. 

Can you share the inspiration behind some of your favourite works?

The ocean is huge for me, which is why I feel so aligned with Sarah & Sebastian. I think, in my work, there is a real worship of tides, the ocean, its creatures and reefs and while it isn’t specifically about nature, I am endlessly inspired by it.  

“Although the new symbol is classic and simple, there are so many unseen layers to it, and I wanted to reflect that in the music. The repeating octave patterns are inspired by the currents.”

The piece you composed for this collaboration is beautifully layered—how did you come to interpret our new symbol into a musical composition and what inspired this sound? Does it encompass a narrative or is it more of an abstract interpretation?

The layers were a really beautiful part of the composing process.  Although the new Sarah & Sebastian symbol is quite classic and simple, there are so many unseen layers behind it, and I wanted to reflect that in the music.

This is more of an abstract interpretation, after Sarah shared the images with me, I imagined looking up through clear water and watching seaweed move gently in the current; what sunlight would look like from the ocean floor. The repeating octave patterns in the music are inspired by the currents, waves that move again and again, and the S in the symbol which, to me, reflects the ever-moving tides. 

Both music and jewellery have the power to hold sentimental value and emotional connection – do you have any jewellery pieces or heirlooms that you hold close to your heart?

I have two necklaces I wear every day. One is a beautiful gift from my mum and the other is actually a tiny Sarah & Sebastian diamond which my best friend gifted me a few months before my daughter was born. It reminded us both of the tiny specs of stardust that we all come from. 

Experience Rose's work at our Strand Arcade and Mosman locations. A special thanks to our friends at Sonos for helping bring Rose’s work to life in store.

‘Comosa’
Original music composed by Rose Riebl
Strings by Blakely Davies 
Mixed by Ber Quinn