Kevin George: Dancing Shadows

Notes by Kevin George

Throughout my career I have composed works using many styles and have written for various types of ensembles. The one thing that is common in all of my compositions is that I like to take the audience on a journey through my music. This is also true for Dancing Shadows for Chamber Orchestra. The focus of this composition is to have the flute and clarinet play counter melodies as if they are shadows chasing each other while the orchestra plays the main theme(s)

The work begins with the strings and the bassoon playing a theme in the low register while the flute and clarinet enters with a counter melody that is playful at times. The two instruments also alternate playing parts of the counter melody, and at times joining the orchestra in unison. This is what led me to the idea of Dancing Shadows. A shadow is directly related to the original image, and in this case the theme, but is different and has its own unique characteristics.

As the flute and clarinet continues with its shadow dancing, the middle section comes to a slow and very expressive section. For the first time the French Horn joins in the new theme with the flute and clarinet as it plays this section as a longing or wanting feeling. This section closes and the flute and clarinet returns with each trying to catch the other. Finally all the instruments play together to round out the work in unison playing the opening melody in a bold and steadfast way.