ca: 6’30"
2009
This work, like the Study for Violin preceding it, is an exploration in the dual nature of stringed instruments. Whereas before I dealt with the differences between closed/open strings and harmonics, in this piece I deal with those between bowed and plucked strings. Although open strings serve as cadential resting-points, much as they did in the Study for Violin, the dialogue between “consonant” (fifths and thirds) and “dissonant” (seconds and tritones) intervals is of much more structural importance in this regard. In its most reduced form, this piece travels linearly from arco to pizzicato and in a kind of broken arch pattern from “consonant” to “dissonant” and back. The return of the opening material at the end, articulated pizzicato rather than arco, I believe makes for a particularly bitter-sweet conclusion.
This piece was premiered by Parker Stanley on December 5, 2009 in Iowa City.
Click here to view the score.