Its world premiere was given by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marin Alsop in Strathmore, Maryland, on May 7, 2016.
[1][2][3] Abstractions has a duration of roughly 20 minutes and is cast in five movements:[4] The work is scored for a large orchestra consisting of a piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, cor anglais, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, two trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, harp, piano, and strings.
Reviewing the world premiere, Tim Smith of The Baltimore Sun wrote, "Knowing the images helps bring the music into focus, but the five-movement work easily stands on its own, thanks to the clarity and expressive nuance of Clyne's writing."
He added, "Each movement is rich in ideas and instrumental shades; except for the finale, which could use a more convincing coda, each makes a fully rounded statement.
"[5] Robert Battey of The Washington Post similarly observed, "Abstractions [...] veers between controlled chaos (rapid figurations in the strings cascading over one another frantically) and icy stillness (the first section, 'Marble Moon,' has a single pedal point in the double basses throughout).