“Vladimir Nabokov had this to say about his 1938 novel: ‘Invitation to a Beheading is a violin in a void.’ The main character is Cincinnatus C., a political prisoner, who has been condemned to death because of a “lack of transparency.” No one seems willing – or able – to tell hem when he will be executed. A restrained, somewhat stark tone dominates the short orchestral work I wrote after reading Nabokov’s novel. In a slow tempo, a melody is laid to rest. Shadowy percussion attempts to interrupt the procession, but to no avail. After a few orchestral outpourings, we find ourselves back where we began.”

– Theo Verbey