String Quartet No. 1 "Tragedy"

Changjin Ha

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String Quartet

2023

12 min.

Cello

Viola

Violin

Program Notes: String Quartet No. 1: "Tragedy" is a ten-minute work inspired by the structure of ancient Greek tragedies, as Friedrich Nietzsche described "The Birth of Tragedy." The piece unfolds in two distinct, alternating sections: the chorus, characterized by the pronounced use of sliding glissandi, which opens the piece; and the play, with episodes that often commence in unison between the chorus sections. Although these sections begin with contrasting temperaments, they meld into a tumultuous, unified character as the piece progresses. In this piece, the chorus offers narrative commentary. As the piece unfolds, the fluid continuum of indefinite pitches hidden behind calligraphic glissandi are gradually revealed in definite pitches represented by discrete noteheads. In contrast, the episodic segments represent theatrical monologues, channeling complex emotions that range from intense chaos to nostalgic reverie.
Ensemble Name: NEC Student Quartet; Caroline Smoak, Bella Hyeonseo Jeong, Violin; Philip Rawlinson, Viola; Jonah Kernis, Cello; Changjin Ha, Conductor