One Line, Two Shapes (2021)

One Line, Two Shapes is a very simple piece. The strings begin with a very quiet chorale in the lowest register, and begin rising higher and higher. Over this, a long, unbroken line unfurls in the woodwinds. These two processes continue throughout the piece, meeting at a final resolution. At various points, the rest of the orchestra provides sudden and occasional violent outbursts and interruptions, so there is a constant sense of instability and of the implied pulse going in and out of focus. It lasts six minutes, and is dedicated to the WDR Sinfonieorchester. – Nico Muhly