Work
Bosnia
for string quartet
Films, Audio & Samples
Sample: Mvt I
0’00” – 1’00”
from Jade String Quartet | Besser String Quartets
Sample: Mvt II
0’00” – 1’00”
from Jade String Quartet | Besser String Quartets
Sample: Mvt III
0’00” – 1’00”
from Jade String Quartet | Besser String Quartets
Sample: Mvt IV
0’00” – 1’00”
from Jade String Quartet | Besser String Quartets
Sample: Mvt V
0’00” – 1’00”
from Jade String Quartet | Besser String Quartets
Buy or Borrow
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About
This work was commissioned by poet Rosemary Menzies, who assisted with aid distribution in Bosnia during and after the war. Her experiences are vividly depicted in Poems for Bosnia, a collection published in 1996.
The music was originally conceived for violin, cello and harpsichord (a version of which was recorded by Radio New Zealand), but I later arranged it for string quartet. In one performance with Jade, Rosemary read her poems between movements. It was a powerful, deeply affecting experience.
Movement 1 evokes the tension of imminent battle. Movement 2 begins with a playful folk-like solo violin, but quarrelling resumes when the quartet joins in. Movement 3 is a tribute to aid workers. The second violin plays a simple melody against arco suspensions. Movement 4 features a joyful melody played by the first violin, which soars optimistically above marching pizzicato strings with a supportive counter melody in the viola. Movement 5 portrays conflict and destruction – there is no rest.
Commissioned note
commissioned by poet Rosemary Menzies