In the mid-1980s, Dillon began a 'German Triptych', a set of works based on the idea, the composer says, of "illumination as the emanation from darkness", a recurring theme in Western art.  Überschreiten from 1985 was commissioned by the London Sinfonietta, this was followed in 1987 by helle Nacht, Dillon's first work for large orchestra. Richard Toop described this piece as "a music full of figures which, like the stars, are intense, yet seem almost infinitely far away." The 'German Triptych' was completed with the flute concerto Blitzschlag in 1996 and premiered the following year.

 

Überschreiten was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain. First performed June 1986, Southbank Centre London by London Sinfonietta conducted by Lothar Zagrosek.

 

helle Nacht was commissioned by the BBC. First performed September 1987, Musica Nova Glasgow, Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Matthias Bamert.

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Blitzschlag was commissioned by Radio France. First performed August 1997, Edinburgh Festival by Pierre-Yves Artaud (flute), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martyn Brabbins.​​