Listen to the premiere recording of String Quartet No. 2 (from Paintings of Song CD) while viewing a perusal score:.

Background

String Quartet No. 2 is subtitled the “Love Quartet” because it was a gift from the composer to his wife on their first wedding anniversary. The longing and aching themes of the opening minor movement cover a wide range of emotions, and the unique form of this movement compellingly interweaves three themes in all of their possible permutations. The second movement seeks to explore the duality of being in love: the passion and excitement versus the tenderness and contentment. The final movement uses dance rhythms as a metaphor for the joy of simply being together.