Rust and Bone
For String Quartet and Electronics
2021 National Finalist for The American Prize in Instrumental Chamber Music Composition
Recorded on April 9, 2021 in Werner Recital Hall at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Zhe Deng - Violin 1
Jonathan Hwang - Violin 2
Dominic Mileti - Viola
Joshua Bermudez - Cello
PROGRAM NOTES
Rust and Bone explores the grim parallels between internal and external conflict as emotional drivers of decay. Evoking the destruction of war, Rust and Bone considers the toll of violent conflict on society and individuals, and the propensity of these two effects to perpetuate and deepen each other.
Electronic and acoustic sound-worlds collide in a single, continuous movement, drawn together by the emotive voice of the solo viola. Somber, melancholic melodies stretch over stark, electronic soundscapes: the tortured howls of twisting metal and hissing static, punctuated by intermittent gunfire. Tensions rise as acoustic and electronic forces push and pull against each other. Through the tumult and strife, broken melodic fragments emerge, pitting the strings against one another in an escalating struggle. After a climactic explosion, the electronics finally subside and the mournful solo viola returns, leading the quartet to a poignant conclusion.
23 minutes | String Quartet and Electronics (Fixed Stereo) | 2019
PERFORMANCE NOTES & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Rust and Bone utilizes a fixed stereo electronic component consisting of ten individual audio files suitable for reproduction through any electronic device, such as a laptop computer, and accompanying stereo speaker setup. These electronic audio files may be initialized either by a member of the quartet or an additional electronic engineer.
Interaction between the electronics and quartet is meant to be flexible, beyond adhering closely to the tempo markings and temporal breaks indicated in the score. No click-track is required. Descriptions of audio cues are included at applicable entrances for the convenience of the performers.
It is suggested that the quartet employ minimal amplification to achieve dynamic balance with the electronic audio during performance. Amplification should not alter the sound-quality of the quartet, merely increase their volume as necessary.