Caroline Shaw: The Observatory - EP

First premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in August 2019, Caroline Shaw’s orchestral work The Observatory (a reference to the Griffith Observatory that towers over Los Angeles to its north) is a kaleidoscopic, filmic journey. There are expansive textures, intimate episodes and ear-teasing references to classical works, including Richard Strauss’ Don Juan and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. And, in homage to the live experience of classical music, Shaw plays with the arpeggiated motif that calls US concertgoers back to their seats post-interval. It’s a work that’s alive with possibility and pulsing with energy. “Caroline Shaw is one of the most important contemporary voices in our time,” Dalia Stasevska tells Apple Music Classical. Shaw’s piece is part of Staveska’s album Dalia’s Mixtape that showcases innovative, far-reaching works for orchestra. “This piece is quite a ride,” she continues. “What I love about this piece is that is has a really strong pulsation throughout. It’s like a city pulsating.”