Two Vignettes for String Quartet (2021)
Two Vignettes consists of two distinct, programmatic movements. The first movement "Memories Lost" dives into the mind of an individual suffering from dementia, gradually losing the memories they cherish the most. It begins with a still, barren landscape, as if a memory has already begun to fade. The first violin then provides the main thematic material while the remaining three voices ominously haunt from below. After an emotional climax, the movement ends where it began, with faded memories. The second movement "Demon Dance" is an aggressive, angular, rapid-fire dance drawing inspiration from the second movement of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8. Constantly spinning between unison and syncopated rhythms, and jagged, virtuosic passages passed between the four voices, "Demon Dance" is a continuous burst of deranged energy.
Duration: Approx. 8 minutes 30 seconds
Difficulty: 3/5
Format: PDF Score and Parts (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello)
Copyright © 2021 Ian Lester