Composer

:

George Benjamin

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

15:08

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Shadowlines is a contemporary classical composition by British composer George Benjamin. It was composed in 2001 and premiered on 22 November 2001 at the Barbican Centre in London, performed by the London Sinfonietta, conducted by Oliver Knussen. The composition consists of six movements, each of which is inspired by a poem by Paul Celan. The movements are titled "Shadowlines I-VI" and are played without a break. The piece is scored for a chamber orchestra consisting of 22 musicians, including a solo viola and a solo cello. The first movement, "Shadowlines I," is characterized by a slow, mournful melody played by the solo viola. The second movement, "Shadowlines II," is more lively and features a complex interplay between the solo cello and the rest of the orchestra. The third movement, "Shadowlines III," is marked by a series of short, staccato phrases played by various instruments in the orchestra. The fourth movement, "Shadowlines IV," is the shortest of the six and features a haunting melody played by the solo viola. The fifth movement, "Shadowlines V," is the most complex and features a series of overlapping melodies played by different instruments in the orchestra. The final movement, "Shadowlines VI," is marked by a slow, mournful melody played by the solo cello. Overall, Shadowlines is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and a wide range of instrumental colors. The piece is also notable for its use of extended techniques, such as glissandos, harmonics, and pizzicato. The result is a haunting and evocative work that showcases Benjamin's skill as a composer and his ability to create a unique and compelling musical language.

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