String Quartet No. 1
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Commissioned by Chamber Music America for Argus Quartet
Completed in 2009 | Duration: 18 minutes In three movements: I. Flowing II. Freely III. Fierce Featured in performances at Cello Biënnale Amsterdam, Banff International String Quartet Competition, Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, Birdfoot Music Festival (New Orleans), and IN/TER\SECT Concert Series (New York City). |
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Program Note
String Quartet No. 1 is a bithematic exploration of expressivity in three movements. The first movement, Flowing, is driven by a gentle back-and-forth arpeggiando gesture that is nearly always present. The two primary themes of the piece are introduced by the violin and viola and are woven throughout a tapestry of arpeggiandos and subtly shifting harmonies. The second movement, titled Freely, embraces a more inward and reflective mood. Bookended by solo passages for the violin and cello, both themes are revisited against a backdrop of eerie, swaying chords and rustling tremolos. Movement three, titled Fierce, unleashes a furious barrage of rhythmic energy that dominates the remainder of the piece as the principal themes are propelled towards a tumultuous, roaring conclusion.
String Quartet No. 1 is a bithematic exploration of expressivity in three movements. The first movement, Flowing, is driven by a gentle back-and-forth arpeggiando gesture that is nearly always present. The two primary themes of the piece are introduced by the violin and viola and are woven throughout a tapestry of arpeggiandos and subtly shifting harmonies. The second movement, titled Freely, embraces a more inward and reflective mood. Bookended by solo passages for the violin and cello, both themes are revisited against a backdrop of eerie, swaying chords and rustling tremolos. Movement three, titled Fierce, unleashes a furious barrage of rhythmic energy that dominates the remainder of the piece as the principal themes are propelled towards a tumultuous, roaring conclusion.
This commission has been made possible by the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program, with generous funding provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Chamber Music America Endowment Fund.
Performance materials are available from the composer. Please contact Eric for inquires or additional information.
Performance materials are available from the composer. Please contact Eric for inquires or additional information.