String Quartet No 2

String Quartet No 2 consists of nine continuous sections with an unchanged metronome marking. The initial idea of a lingering high ‘E’ is prominent and is constantly coloured by timbral variations on each instrument. However, this coloured pitch ‘E’ is interrupted whenever brisk and agile descending passages appear. Throughout the work low notes are extremely rare and the cello’s fourth string is heard in the middle of the piece, when it is used for a solo to lead into a dramatic pizzicato section. After this pizzicato section, the sustained pitch ‘E’ is accompanied by ‘A’ up to the end of the work.

String Quartet No 2 was commissioned by the Tongyoung International Festival and composed on the Greek island of Crete in early 2005. It was first performed by the Arditti String Quartet on 19 March 2005 at the Tongyoung International Festival, Korea. It lasts for 8 minutes.