Elixir (Orchestra Set & Score)

Allen Shawn’s dramatic and dynamic work for string orchestra expands on a single set of motivic ideas through alternating sections of highly contrasting musical characters. This skillfully-crafted composition is rhythmically rigorous and embodies the composer’s compositional self-description: “a lot of my music has tremendous anxiety and intensity.” The technical demands of the work are moderately difficult, but the scoring is well-edited and notably idiomatic for string instruments. First performed by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kate Tamarkin. Duration: 12 min