String Quartet No. 6, Op. 36 (2008)

The Sixth Quartet reflects my fascination in developing new structures from the older classical masters, for though the Quartet adopts the customary four – movement pattern there are many unusual features. For instance, the only break comes between the first and second, and the themes of the last two movements relate closely to the Romanza, so it might be better to regard the work as an introduction (first movement) to a large span of music (movements 2, 3 and 4) which falls into three connected parts.

The opening Giubiloso (Jubilant) is like a terse, compact scherzo. Two ideas are introduced: the first an exuberant, leaping idea, perhaps suggestive of circus music. The second idea, still at a brisk tempo, is more gentle and lightly scored. Both themes are developed and modified but instead of a formal reprise there is brief coda where the music disappears mischievously.

The Romanza is an elaboration of a piece composed for Juliet for our wedding in August 2006. This is very much the heart of the work both emotionally and thematically and attempts to create the mood of a ‘Song Without Words’. It is followed by another slow movement which transforms the cello melody heard at the end of the Romanza into a long, melodic line interspersed with occasional flowerings of harmony. The tune ascends from the lowest depths of the cello, continuing with viola and then second violin eventually reaching high harmonics on the first violin.

The Finale is like a very free variation of the Romanza. Even if the predominant mood is rough, bucolic and riotous, the music is nonetheless always good humoured and sanguine. The energy seldom lets up. At the final climax the opening tune of the first movement is restated as if we have travelled full circle.