Apart from the Basset Horn's distinctively plaintive and melancholy character, the main influence on this piece came from observing different kinds of vortices, such as watching whirlpools on the surface of a river, or being caught in sudden strong winds.

Vortex was first performed by Cosima Yu (Basset Horn), Felix Lashmar, Joseph Bentley, Vera Pereira and Mark O'Leary (Doublebasses), conducted by the composer in Duke's Hall, June 2012 and was also awarded the Priaulx Rainier Prize by The Worshipful Company of Musicians in 2016.