F O U R   T O  O N E (2011)

For String Quartet

Awarded the 2011 American Modern Ensemble Competition Competition

Selected for the 2011 Shanghai Conservatory New Music Week

Composed for the Momenta Quartet

 

Program Note:

Four to One is inspired by the blazing colors and raw intensity of an autumnal sunset in upstate New York. The opening texture of the work reflects this image of the setting sun – an intense, fiery core illuminated by a halo of light. At the outset of the work, the cello sounds a central, expressive line around which the other strings play, creating an halo of sound around the cello line. This texture develops over the course of the piece, the expressive line running throughout the work, passing between the different instruments, and moving in and out of focus from areas of density to those of clarity and unity. The work also explores various permutations of setting the four string voices in dialogue: four voices functioning as one larger voice, three voices competing in conflict against one, two voices against two, and solo voices emerging from four. “Four to One” is dedicated to the Momenta Quartet.

Recording:

Full Recording: 

Total duration: 8 mins

Performers: Momenta Quartet

Video:

Performances:

1. -Momenta Quartet at Cornell University (March 31, 2011)
   

2. -Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Shanghai Conservatory New Music Week (September 27, 2011)
   

3. -Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Montreal (December 7, 2011)
   

4. -Momenta Quartet at the Hudson Valley Music Club (March 26, 2012)
   

5. -Momenta Quartet at Yeshiva University (April 3, 2012)
   

6. -American Modern Ensemble in New York, NY (Scheduled for 2012-13 season)