Quandaries
Aaron Rosenberg
About this work:
This three-movement string quartet considers a range of perplexities, from whimsical disorientation to gloomy skepticism.
I - Adagio – Allegro giocoso
Declamatory chords introduce a jocular Allegro that ping-pongs about, cascading into a poignant Lento. Whimsy resurfaces, and the movement closes with an afterthought.
II – Theme and Variations
Lento: Sustained chords accompany overlapping melodies, creating an air of mystery.
Allegro: Impetuous motifs trip along, release into an Andante chorale, and re-emerge, only to become dizzy. A vigorous final attempt closes the variation.
Lento: A recitative cello passage presents a theme that haunts the entire variation. The mood alternates between wistful and ominous, concluding with hopeful serenity.
III – Allegro risoluto: A spirited introduction launches the tenacious first theme, which argues itself down into an Andante espressivo. Theme two presents discourse of a more lyrical nature. A presto section comprised of syncopated chords against sweeping melodies culminates in a newly voiced and doubly determined theme one, which nonetheless quiets for a final lyrical plea; the answer is no.
All recordings are excerpts.
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:17:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:String Quartet
Instrumentation: 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello