Instrumentation: 2 Violins, Viola, Cello Duration: 10 Minutes Additional Requirements: Large metal mutes, large rubber mutes, standard mutes, guitar plectra
The Miniatures for string quartet were written for the Inland Valley Quartet as a study in extended techniques for string playing. The utilization of various mutes in the second movement allows for a new color vocabulary and dynamic perception. Harmonic pizzicato in the third movement and the use of plectra in the final movement also provide new colors for experimentation. Each movement in the piece is considered to segue into the next (although time is allowed for mute and plectra placement).
The movements are as follows:
1. Theme and Moderato 2. "Song of Shadows" Grave Lugubrio 3. Dance 4. "Winter's Anguish" Emotional 5. Pizzicato
For performance or material requests related to this work, please contact me.