Jörg Widmann (b.1973)
String Quartet No.4

“The fourth quartet investigates forms of walking and steps (Andante/Passacaglia).  An examination of the score gives the impression of a concentrated and compact work.  The density of information contained in each instrumental part is extremely high, as a variety of playing techniques must be performed simultaneously with the left and right hands.  Each performer additionally performs an individual ‘breathing score.’

Nevertheless, the gesture of this quartet is extremely light.  It is a work concerned with walking (Andante) and steps (Passacaglia in the original sense as a ‘stepping dance’).  Pizzicati in all differentiations and levels pervade the entire work.  A clear A-B-A form is coupled with a complex interleaved form in which inlays are superimposed on one another.  This is perhaps ultimately an attempt to achieve a balance between complexity and simplicity.”

—Jörg Widmann