Set to a score that emphasizes motivic writing and brisk counterpoint between the string sections, Ash flows swiftly through a series of solo and ensemble variations for a lead couple and four pairs of demi-soloists. The ballet is an exuberant, nonstop exploration of the musical form known as a canon and requires virtuosic speed of its cast. The work is the fourth ballet created by Peter Martins to a score by Michael Torke.