Program Notes

String Quartet No. 1 was composed as a study in form and motives. The first movement, which is in sonata form, introduces the three main motives that make up most of the other material in the quartet. The second movement, which is a passacaglia, begins with a two part 12 tone motive in the second violin and cello, which is then traded off throughout the piece between all the other instruments. This motive is the basis for the chord progression used for the rest of the movement. The second movement also functions as a transition, further developing the three main motives from the first movement, transforming them into a new motivic idea for the third movement. For the third movement I utilize a less strict formal structure, loosely based on song form. This movement takes the newly created motive and juxtaposes it against different chord progressions, as well as some new melodic ideas unique to the third movement, concluding with a recapitulation of the first motive of the piece.

Premier: April 15, 2016. Raitt Recital Hall, Pepperdine University