 Originally intended to be a full @-@ length opera , Twice was composed between 1994 and 1996 , undergoing substantial reworking before Turnage found a form with which he was satisfied . It was first performed in 1997 when it was put on both in the concert hall and in the opera house . The critical reception has been generally favourable , with several authors commenting positively about the instrumental writing and emotional impact of the work , though some critics see limitations in the libretto , find the mood of the work too unrelenting or note the great demands that the vocal writing provides for the soloist . 
