Work

Programme Note

Refrains, Cadenzas and Interludes for string quartet was composed in 1971 and was one of four works awarded prizes in the original compositions for string quartet competition administered by the APRA Music Committee in New Zealand and the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation in that year.

As the title implies, the work contrasts three different styles of writing for strings. Four ‘refrains’ feature jagged rhythmic outbursts of short motives. Three cadenzas each for cello, viola and violin respectively present soloistic passages accompanied by sustained chordal textures. By contrast, the three Interludes are generally soft and reflective in mood.

Refrains, Cadenzas and Interludes was first performed at the 1972 Cambridge Summer Music School.

Difficulty:

Advanced