String Quartet No. 1 (1952)

String Quartet No.1 - 'Quartetto Breve' (1952) by Per NørgÃ¥rd.Programme note:  The spectrum of sound the gesticulation – in short the very nature of the strings – has always had a central place in my output demonstrated by the numbers of string quartets concertos with string soloist chamber and solo works. The interest dates back to my school years when I was fortunate to be able to compose for a cello-playing schoolmate and to accompany him on the piano. I discovered then the innumerable nuances of sound and playing varieties offered by just one bow four strings andfive fingers..  My first string quartet – Quartetto Breve – has a firm root in the Nordic tradition and is strongly inspired by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) and my teacher Vagn Holmboe (1909-96).  Per NørgÃ¥rd (1998) 

Concertino for 12 Instruments. Arrangement of the original work for a string quartet (1920) made by Igor Stravinsky in 1952. Study score also available: WH27104BParts are for hire: hire@ewh.dk

Score-Of almost any of the works of Bloch's maturity the 'Sinfonia Breve' has the least amount of Jewish ‘flavour’. In 1952 when this piece was written Bloch was exploring some other vocabularies rather than the one that is most often identified with him. His flirtation with (twelve-tone techniques still sounds like Bloch. The title of the work indicates a more formal structure than many of his more poetic creations. It does follow the classical four movement pattern and Bloch links them by utilizing appropriately transformed thematic material. The first movement commences with an important thrusting theme. The second movement is meditative and quite beautiful. Thestring section dominates and Bloch exhibits the same mastery of counterpoint that one finds in his string quartets. The Scherzo begins with an off-beat major 7th figure. The first trio is a slower lyrical contrast. The second trio has the most exotic writing of the whole Sinfonia. The finale recalls much of the important material from the previous movements. This grand summation ends calmly.

Par DYENS ROLAND. / Niveau : Avancé / Répertoire / Guitare et Quatuor à Cordes

Arrg Borsarello J. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. / Niveau : 1er Cycle / Répertoire / 4 Altos