String Quartet No. 1

2021, 16:00

Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello

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Xinyuan Wang (Violin I), Yoav Hayut (Violin II), Keigan Iwanicki (Viola), Christopher Santos (Cello).

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This piece is a sonic representation of any task we undertake in life, from writing a book, painting, running a marathon to learning a new skill. This piece aims to portray that journey.

Movement I, The Foothills, represents a task's inception: a vision, the early stages of planning, brief glimmers of hope and an effort to move forward.

Hinderance, the second movement, depicts the obstacles in our path as we aim to complete our task. The first half represents the outward and physical challenges, while the second half represents the more introspective and personal challenges we face along the way.

The third movement, Visions of the Mind, shows the challenging reality of our work. The task is tedious, difficult, back-breaking and sweaty. In brief flashes we see the end in sight, but suddenly are once again consumed by the flames of our craft.

Above the Clouds, the fourth and final movement, provides us with the fruits of our efforts. It shines and soars above. The music swells with pride, flurries of happiness and an overall calming sensation. We can now lay back and rest, at last... for now.