Synapse, Synopses, Sinews
Don Myers
About this work:
My second string quartet explores the relationship between thoughts and actions. The title draws parallels between the bows hairs, strings, and fibers of our muscles. The work is in five movements with movements two through four played without interruption. Each movement has a subtitle in Latin that relates to thoughts and feelings. Movement I, Orsa Sententia which translates to “Opening Thoughts” is just that. It introduces motifs that are explored, extemporized, and expanded and morphed throughout the piece. Movement II, Orsa Perpetuo or “Perpetual Thoughts” has a driving rhythm and a somewhat mischievous if not malicious playfulness. It like those times when you want to sleep and your brain just won’t shut up. Movement III, Senium Sententia which is “Melancholy Thoughts” in English is about those times when you just can’t rid yourself of images and memories that while nostalgic can also be painful. Movement IV, Turbatus Sententia (“Turbulent Thoughts”) is a frenzied, demented and twisted maze of mental gymnastics. This all quiets down for the final movement, Infero Sententia or “Closing Thoughts”. The movement after a brief pointillistic introduction enters into a theme and variations. This ends abruptly and the piece seemingly winds down to its conclusion. A decision seems to be reached only to quickly and surprisingly wind up again to a frenetic end.
Version: String Quartet #2
Year composed: 2009
Duration: 00:19:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:String Quartet
Instrumentation: 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello