Chamber Orchestra: 2222.2220.perc.str
Duration c.10'

'Dawn's Left Hand' is in three sections, of which the middle section is at twice the speed of the outer two. The harmony throughout is suspended between high D and low B, first heard on muted violins and double basses. The opening section is a chorus for the six brass players, over a rhythmic ostinato backdrop. Both gather in intensity, then cut off abruptly. Next is a fleeting, scherzo-like episode, with fragments of melody over a moto perpetuo background. This music also heads towards a climax which doesn't quite happen - instead we are back at square one. The final part reflects on what has gone before, as if resigned to the fact that there may be no way out.

Spitalfields Market Opera House, London
Composers' Orchestral Project Orchestra, conducted by Gerry Cornelius

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