Work

Programme Note

This string quartet is performed as one movement. The first section is predominantly contrapuntal, including the opening bars where each performer sings ‘Aue’ (meaning ‘Alas!’, a Maori acclamation in some waiata tangi). The work continues with a section which features solo cello, followed by dance and song-like sections.

Much of the work is based on the intervals of a minor third, semitone and tone. Karanga, Maori song-calls, performed by women on the marae to welcome or farewell people, are one source of inspiration for this piece. A characteristic musical feature of karanga is a long drawn out cry (glissando). Since there is often more than one caller on the marae, it is not uncommon for the calls to overlap.

In October 1994 the New Zealand String Quartet gave its premiere performance at Lower Hutt. It is described as “quite probably the most successful synthesis of the contemporary Maori and European sound worlds.” Dominion 16-9-95.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by the Hutt Valley Chamber Music Society with funding provided by the QEII Arts Council (now Creative New Zealand)

Difficulty:

Advanced

Difficulty Note:

The violinists and cellist sing "Aue" 7 times, the violist 3 times

Influences:

• Waiata - song
• Karanga
• Dance

Dedication:

'String Quartet' (1994) is dedicated to the memory of May Manoy (1913-1993), a lifelong friend who was also an enthusiastic supporter of chamber music in Wellington since the late 1940s.

Funders:

• Creative New Zealand

Performance History

	31 May 1994	Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet; Hutt Valley Chamber Music Society, Little Theatre, Lower Hutt
		New Zealand String Quartet
	14 Apr 2010	Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet for Chamber Music Hutt valley
		New Zealand String Quartet