String Quartet #1

String quartets can evoke, in a composer, the very best that he or she has to offer. It’s been said that the eyes are windows to a person’s soul. 

A string quartet can also be a window to the soul. A window of opportunity providing a composer a means to an evocative and self-informed expression, an artistic glimpse into the heart and soul of one’s own creative aptitude or facility. Writing a string quartet can be more daunting than writing a symphony. It’s taxing to pack so much into a little punch. But, the challenge is well worth it. The musical poetry expressed through string quartet music can be something exquisite and deeply felt.

My string quartet #1 was the project I worked on for my Master’s thesis in composition. My professors awarded me the task of writing a string quartet. They gave other composition students tasks of writing one act operas, chamber orchestra pieces, oratorios etc.

At first, I was intimidated because I had to produce a string quartet but I was also unafraid and welcomed the challenge. In fact I loved it. I found out that composing a string quartet is easy. I mean it’s easy if one is ready.

I had really great string quartet role models to lionize. Debussy’s quartet and Ravel’s string quartet in F major. And of course Beethoven’s late string quartets are also quite beautiful. 

As of 2022 I have written ten string quartets. 

My string quartet #1 is my debut in the string quartet genre.