Notes for String Quartet no. 2

My String Quartet no. 2 is the largest multi-movement and purely instrumental work I have written in the past three years. The work is constructed into two contrasting movements. The opening movement, a scherzo, is a piece with an unrelenting forward drive. The motives and textures are sardonic, rhythmically lively, and have a biting sense of humor. The movement concludes with a coda in which the music increases grows faster and wilder as it reaches the Prestissimo conclusion. The second movement, entitled Reverie, is a slow, lyrical piece which is more introverted in character than the Scherzo. The work concludes in a serene, ethereal mood that is at the complete opposite end of the emotional spectrum from the jaunty opening.

The work will be performed alongside Mendelssohn’s Octet by the Revelation Ensemble at the St. Constantine and Helen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (64 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, New York 11201) as part of the first concert of the Downtown Brooklyn Chamber Music Festival season on November 2nd at 7:30pm in a concert that is FREE for the public to attend. The concert also includes Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. The performance will be led by Amos Lee and features soloists Maria Zollo (soprano) and Inbal Milliger (mezzo-soprano). I hope to see you there!