Quadritium

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Quadritium, a fantasy on four notes, was written specifically to introduce beginning musicians to new ways of thinking about music. While the music is not atonal (in fact, far from it) the use of quartal harmonies derived from the interval of the perfect fourth lead the players down melodic and rhythmic episodes all derived from the number four. Four-measure phrases, the interval of the fourth, rhythms involving nothing faster than quarter notes, and the use of just four notes permeate this work for beginning strings. This work makes for a simplified introduction to contemporary music: it allows directors to get away from "learning the notes" and to focus on other elements of music (rhythm, balance, blend, dynamics, etc.) in their rehearsals. At the same time, the work introduces young musicians and audiences to new musical ideas in an approachable and intriguing framework. Using limited resources of only four notes, composer Mike Forbes has built an impressive composition for the beginning string orchestra. This is a perfect vehicle to showcase your groups at contests and festivals. There could be a crosscurricular tie-in to Science as well.

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