Composer’s Note:

I have never written a string quartet before. When I began this piece, I imagined it would be for a large number of instruments. But then I reconsidered the string quartet. Its four instruments can play over a wide range with a variety of versatile expressions, and I realized that I could use it for this piece. The three movements moderate tempo, slow, and fast are all based on similar materials. Each movement begins and ends softly and moves to a climax in the middle, interspersed with passages of various dynamics. Each instrument plays both melodic and supporting parts.