Work of the Week – Alex Paxton: Skin Wrinkles Microscopic Zoom-in

17 Aug 2026

Alex Paxton, eyes closed, wearing glasses and a colourful T-shirt, in the foreground on the right. In the background colourful organic shapes with curved lines and shimmering surfaces. Pink, turquoise, gold and green blend together in abstract landscape.

Alex Paxton is one of the most distinctive voices among a younger generation of composers who freely cross the boundaries between contemporary music, jazz, improvisation and popular culture. His music is characterised by vivid colour, exuberant imagination and a remarkable sense of energy.

Skin Wrinkles Microscopic Zoom-in draws inspiration from sensory experiences that are both intimate and expansive. Paxton refers to organic landscapes, the close examination of skin, the spaciousness of the countryside and the physical reality of touch as central points of departure for the work.

Between String Orchestra and Microscope

Paxton describes the piece as the most “classical” orchestral work he has written so far. Yet it remains closely connected to the playful musical imagination that defines his output. Large-scale spiralling chord sequences, triadic harmonies and constantly shifting perspectives shape a sound world that is simultaneously familiar and surprising.

Written for string orchestra, the work focuses on colour, texture and movement. Romantic sonorities coexist with groove-inspired rhythmic impulses and an expansive melodic language.

The world premiere of Skin Wrinkles Microscopic Zoom-in will take place on 23 August 2026 at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, performed by ensemble reflektor under the direction of Vimbayi Kaziboni. The work represents an important step within a new triad-focused strand of Paxton’s recent compositional thinking.