Shadow in Light is a composition for full orchestra that explores the variation principle. The primary motivation is the continuous evolution of two themes within a large time frame. While the overall structure is ABACABA, the C section may be further divided into 3 B sections to yield a structure of AB1A1B2B3B3JA2B1A. The tonal areas and timing in minutes for each major section are shown below. Melodicaily, the work integrates two different themes. Theme 1 is a melody based on thirds that occurs in the A sections. Theme 2 is a 12 tone row with a quartal orientation that provides the basis of the variations. Appearing in the B sections, this theme has several manifestations. The first quote occurs in measure 17 as pillar chords that separate major sections (2.1). The next variant appears as a harp solo in measure 25 (2.2), followed by a horn solo in measure 34 (2.3). The flute solo in measure 97 (2.4) and the vibraphone solo in measure 138 (2.5) represent other variations. As the work progresses, the thematic variants are subject to further mutation. Harmonically, the interval sets of the two themes generate a rich spectrum of combinations. With regard to orchestration, the use of chamber ensemble and solo playing is explored against a changing background of orchestral colors.