Alive and Kickin’

Description

In case you were not aware, we are still alive and kickin’ and so is this new and high-wire work for string orchestra by newcomer Alexandra Skevington! Lots of technique and strong players will make this one shine on any concert stage!

Program Notes

“Alive and Kickin'” is influenced by jazz, house, and film music. When I write house music, I sometimes reverse portions of music, which results in a sort of slide and crescendo as the notes play backwards. That’s what I was going for in places, e.g., M.17-20. When I write jazz, I like it to have a sense of rhythm and to make people want to tap their feet and move their bodies, so the pizzicato sections are influenced by that. I also like old-style 40s jazz songs, which is why there’s a vaguely romantic bit (M.30-35) too. The more expansive bit around M.62 onwards is more traditional and begins to move towards a more filmic large-scale feel before being pulled back towards house and jazz. Essentially, I want the people who end up playing this to have a bit of fun, hence the instruction to make your bows dance!