Composer

:

Elena Ruehr

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1994

Average_duration

:

11:18

Shimmer is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Elena Ruehr. It was composed in 2012 and premiered on March 3, 2013, by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, conducted by Gil Rose. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled "Shimmer," is characterized by its ethereal and shimmering quality. The music is built around a repeating pattern of ascending and descending scales, which create a sense of motion and fluidity. The orchestration is sparse, with delicate textures and subtle shifts in dynamics. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of new instruments and a more complex harmonic language. The second movement, titled "Lament," is a slow and mournful elegy. The music is characterized by its long, sustained lines and rich harmonies. The orchestration is more dense than in the first movement, with a full string section and a prominent solo violin. The movement is marked by a sense of longing and sadness, which is expressed through the use of dissonant harmonies and expressive melodic lines. The final movement, titled "Dance," is a lively and rhythmic dance. The music is characterized by its driving pulse and syncopated rhythms. The orchestration is more colorful than in the previous movements, with the addition of percussion and brass instruments. The movement is marked by a sense of joy and celebration, which is expressed through the use of lively melodies and playful rhythms. Overall, Shimmer is a highly expressive and evocative work that showcases Elena Ruehr's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its delicate textures, rich harmonies, and expressive melodies, which combine to create a sense of motion, emotion, and beauty.

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