Awakenings

In composing Awakenings, I was inspired by the exquisite art and stunning imagery of Oliver Sacks’ prose, and above all by the lives of the uniquely tragic patients he writes about. His book, Awakenings, written in the form of a series of case studies and footnotes, suggested the musical structure and characteristics of the score. While not specifically programmatic, I hope that the music may express some understanding of the patients as well as the sense of nostalgia, anger and longing they felt for their stolen past. (Tobias Picker )

Awakenings was commissioned by the Rambert Dance Company, which toured the work throughout the UK in 80 performances, with choreography by Aletta Collins.