In-Between Strings (2019)
Preludio e Capriccio
for solo cello
Premiered at the 2020 Walden Alumni Composer Forum in NY 
Cello: TJ Borden
01/19/2020

Program notes
This piece combines an avant-garde style with 19th century virtuosity. The Preludio starts off in an unmetered style that
experiments with harmonics, quarter tones, double stops, and glissandi. The Capriccio shows off the wide range of the
cello through fast Paganini-esque passages. It is only at the end that these two styles merge together and propel the
piece into a chaotic climax.

In-Between Strings

Edward Shilts received their Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, their Masters in Music Composition from Shenandoah University, and Master of Arts in Opera Making and Writing from Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Shilts' musical style is influenced by their interest in opera, politics, mental health, and gender expression. As an artist, Shilts is interested in creating music that's expressionistic in emotion, but surreal in experience through temporal manipulation and the distortion of sound.

They have participated in festivals including the Walden Creative Musicians Retreat, Charlotte New Music Festival, Hypercube Composition Lab, Longy’s Divergent studio, and Alba Music Festival; their work has been performed by ensembles such as the Mivos Quartet, Hypercube, Loadbang, Arx Duo, and Transient Canvas. In June of 2022, Their chamber opera Samhain Bloom premiered at the Guildhall School, and followed on the heels of their premiere of Le Bistro Poulet by Opera Extra at Shenandoah Conservatory. Most recently, Shilts was also a finalist in Atlanta Opera's 96-Hour Opera Project in June of 2023. Currently, they are enrolled at the University of Miami pursuing a DMA in composition.

In-Between Strings

Edward Shilts - Composer