String Quartet No. 2 

Commissioned by the Nashville Symphony and premiered by musician of the Nashville Symphony for Violins of Hope Nashville – May 13, 2018  at the Public Library of Nashville 

The structure of this String Quartet is traditional three movements, fast-slow-fast cycle, that have different tonalities (I in C, II in E flat and III in G).  

Movement I Presto   6:41 

It is in the form of sonata allegro and quite compact. The idea is to make “angles” between episodes not smoother but opposite – sharper, to make it sound more cubistic with various “subitos”, sudden changes of moods and complex orchestration. Theme I is based on an old theme in 10/8 from Aleppo with no lyrics. Theme II is an ancient Syrian folk tune from Homs that talks about friendship, patience, love and compassion. It’s introduced in pizzicato with a fast tempo until the cello takes over singing before an abrupt ending that serves the purpose of creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. 

Movement II Andante 5:01 Minutes 

The slow and melancholic movement starts with a trio that introduces the story of “Violins of Hope” and the cry from concentration camps. The solo Viola introduces the ancient Syrian melody at the end while the percussion instrument depicts the sound of nails hammering into a coffin and one can hear the heart beat in the pizzicato. The structure is ep.1-ep.2-ep.3- with small reprise. Climax has opposite placement than “golden point” is.

Movement III Allegretto 6:10 Minutes 

This movement is in the form of rondo with two themes (ABABABA) that represent hope. Theme I is a dance like while Theme II is more like a chant. The introduction of Theme II is not given clearly on purpose sustaining same tonality and tempo of Theme I. When the second theme is finally clear we get into an abrupt and short ending. 

Also gives some CS fog onto the structure. And afterwards when the 2nd theme comes in its normal tempo, it is not obliviously recognizable) 

The very ending seems too short, but this also goes to structure breaking. So all what I could invent in structure, harmony and instrumentation to make this piece sound not allright was done.