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Featuring members of the Friction Quartet

Kevin Rogers, violin
Mitso Floor, viola
Doug Machiz, cello

Program

String Trio in G Minor
Vinayak Vikram (b. 2010)

Dance of Serendipity
Michael Chang (b. 2009)

Odd Duck
Ethan Liao (b. 2009)

Torus
Connor Roham (b. 2006)

Trio for Three Soloists
Jesse Spain (b. 2008)

Turbulence for String Trio
Finn Reese (b. 2008)

Google Searches from November 1st, 2024 for Solo Viola
Andromeda Wen (b. 2007)

Elegy for String Trio
Dylan Hall (b. 2007)

Composition Faculty: Michael Kaulkin, Aaron Pike, Mauricio Rodriguez, Arkadi Serper, Daniel Wood

Notes from the Composers

“String Trio in G Minor” was written to be lighthearted and enjoyable, while incorporating more advanced musical elements than my previous compositions. I tried experimenting with more complex counterpoint and part writing than I have employed in the past, and tried to use the ensemble in an innovative way. Finally, I also tried to be more concise in general, trying to fit as much naturally flowing music across a variety of keys and timbres as
possible.

Serendipity – an unexpected yet fortunate discovery, of finding something valuable, not sought after. “Dance of Serendipity”, starts with a quirky lightness, as two strangers have a chance encounter. Somehow, they are drawn to each other, and strangely, yet naturally, begin to dance. Next, a short transition symbolizes the realization that they are in a public setting, somewhat abashed, yet their hearts encourage them to continue. Then, a section of short, separated phrases describes the couple lightly stepping their way around brief obstacles and carrying on. However, tension increases, as the two individuals find themselves being pulled apart by outside forces. The main theme is reintroduced, as the couple come together for one final dance, ending in a lingering cello note, as they slowly part, possibly forever.

“Odd Duck” is named exactly that for its focus around odd time signatures (while still portraying a duck). The lively and somewhat quirky main theme stands in contrast with the serene and eventually climactic nature of the middle section in a way that makes the work feel complete and yet fresh and varied. By the end of the piece, the way the two themes intertwine reflects the distinct sides and personalities of this particular duck.

"Turbulence" is meant to be driving and the 10/8 time signature as well as the shifts in time signature really help the feeling of the word. The middle section is a giant contrast as the time changes to a simple 2/2 and there are now more luscious/choral-like harmonies. But through a long transition you can hear the piece becoming more turbulent again. Once it finally returns to the first theme that same almost fierce driving quality appears again.

"Torus” is envisioned as a geometric Torus which, due to its boundedness, forces all themes to close back in on themselves.

“Trio for Soloists” came into being based on a theme originally improvised on the piano. I thought the dark sound of the low strings would be perfect for the klezmer-ish melody and kind of went from there. The idea of the second theme was to create something less grounded, with frequent harmonic shifts. Throughout the piece, the two themes are explored before reaching a definitive resolution.

“Google Searches from November 1st, 2024”, asks the performer to speak text while simultaneously playing the viola, and was inspired by the composer’s own thoughts about the questions.

“Elegy” This piece is not an elegy for a person, but for a time. It explores the different emotions nostalgia can lead to. We normally think of nostalgia only as sadness for not being able to relive a time, but it can also create the fear of not ever living through a time again that is as happy as the memories we are nostalgic about.

About the Artists

Friction Quartet, lauded for performances described as "terribly beautiful" (San Francisco Classical Voice), "stunningly passionate" (Calgary Herald), and "exquisitely skilled" (ZealNYC), is dedicated to modernizing the chamber music experience and expanding the string quartet repertoire. The quartet achieves its mission by commissioning cutting-edge composers, curating imaginative concert programs, collaborating with diverse artists, and engaging in interactive educational outreach. Since forming in 2011, Friction has commissioned 47 works for string quartet and given world premiere performances of more than 100 works. Learn more at www.frictionquartet.com.