Programme note:

Songs of Nature is a point of departure from my first quartet entitled, Fast Drones with Slow

Lines. In this quartet, I draw from various poetic texts for each movement, where they are unified

in themes about nature. By exploring various different textures and colours of the quartet, I

convey the evocative imagery that inspired each movement, where a quotation is provided.

Despite this work being substantial in length it is hoped that there is distinct through line in each

movement, where rhythmic ostinati are employed against melodic lines.

The quartet is in four separate movements with their own subtitle: Prélude, Schérzo, Nocturne

and Pulse. The first movement is the shortest and is brooding in quality, featuring a dialogue

between the viola and first violin. This immediately segues into the Schérzo with vibrant rhythmic

activity, where a dance reaches an emphatic climax. The penultimate movement is a nocturne

and is the heart of this quartet. This takes inspirations from stars and creates a shimmering and

glistening textures against a melodic line. Finally, Pulse is an exploration of colour and

momentum, where rapid tremoli and figuration provide an energetic finale.