String Quartet No. 1: Metamorphism

PROGRAM NOTE

Metamorphism is a term in geology that refers to a change in the structure or constitution of rock due to pressure and heat, causing the rock to become harder and more completely crystalline. This term also serves as the subtitle of my first string quartet, in which I depict the transformation of my own musical language over the course of my graduate studies from 2001 to 2008. The pressure and heat that I felt during this time culminated in this piece (written for my doctoral dissertation), in which I express the crystallization my own compositional voice that had occurred over that time period.

Thus, this string quartet is an autobiographical narrative, beginning with the movement of Rock and Rage in a tense, dissonant, aggressive style that is characteristic of my earlier works. Here, rock refers not only to the geological process mentioned in the subtitle, but also to a musical genre that has been heavily influential in my music. However, the thickly dissonant “power chords” soon give way, if only briefly, to episodes of unabashed lyricism (foreshadowing my later aesthetic tendencies), only to be swallowed up again eventually by more aggressiveness and angst.

The second movement, of Melancholy and Memory, marks my gradual move to a more lyrical and direct form of expression, and depicts my own penchant for bathing in bittersweet nostalgia, as well my own passion for sadness and melancholy as harnessed in the music of such composers as Dowland and Barber. More directly, it is also dedicated to the memory of a beloved family dog, Daisy; the opening melody upon which the movement hinges is derived from the letters in her name. This movement also showcases my interest at that time in the folk music of Ireland, with its melodic ornamentation, modal construction, tunefulness, and use of drones.

The last movement, of Brilliance and Brightness (the alliterative titles of the movements form my initials, R.M.B.), is direct in its motivic exposition and development, harmonic language, and unabashed optimism. It represents what to me has become characteristic of my style as of late: a propensity for melody, an economy of materials, and a development of my own personal tastes in counterpoint. Having lived in Hollywood at the time of its completion, I felt it necessary and appropriate to conclude with an obligatory Hollywood Ending.