String Quartet No.2

Instrumentation

String Quartet

Other Information

String Quartet No.2 (2000). An irreverent music theatre work in which the close off-stage relationship between the players inadvertently resumes on stage. After the initial “tuning up” section, the quiet background “discussion” between the violin 2, viola and cello players increases, but never enough to overwhelm the melodic line being played by violin 1. As the performance continues to reflect the personal conflict between the members of the group, the only question clearly asked, under his breath by one player to another is “Why don’t you say something?” – perhaps the demand for an explanation of another member’s previous bad behaviour or perhaps an explanation to the audience as to why the quartet’s interpretation of the music seems rather over-emotional.