2021 . for string quartet . 8’30 .
The piece opens with four Petrushka-esque players named Violin I, Violin II, Viola, and Cello, each scattered around the stage in various poses. Suddenly, the silence is broken by whispers from Viola, interrupted with yells of “hush!” from the other annoyed performers. Slowly, the chattering grows, exploding in shouts and cries. When finally shushed by Viola, Cello turns to the audience in annoyance, crying “But I have a mouth, too!” The silent players discovered their voices.
The second movement starts as Violin I turns to his newfound friends and asks a question: “What is my name?” Violin I, upon remembering how to speak, has forgotten his name! The performers begin mocking him until Cello tells him: his name is Violin I. He has no other name. It’s a bit sad.
Violin II announces to the audience the title of the third movement: “A Joke!” Everyone laughs because it’s so funny! A parody of Haydn’s Joke Quartet begins. Viola interrupts everyone at the end and chastises the group because music is serious!“What’s more serious than death?” Violin II asks. “MUSIC!” everyone replies. A grotesque funeral dirge begins, quoting Mahler’s use of a children’s tune Ring Around the Rosy, Dies Irae, and Chopin’s funeral march.
Viola turns to Cello and tells her, “Cello, I’m scared.” Cello gestures out at the audience: “Everyone is scared,” she says. Night falls and the final movement begins. I’m scared of the future and of what my purpose is on this earth. Everyone is scared all the time.
LUCY SHIRLEY 