en tranche (2020)

for string quartet

Live, concert recording.

August 19th, 2021 
Protestantische Kirche Edenkoben
Edenkoben - Germany

“en tranche” (Fr.) meaning sliced, or by/ in slice denotes an approach to structure, on phrasal construction or dramaturgical flow that reflects processes of de-composition, de-construction, chopping of phrasal units in smaller pieces that reshape our perception of a musical idea. At the epicenter of the piece, someone can experience processes of linear structural development that are intentionally torn apart unraveling new instances of similar material while projecting a reshaping in the flow of the music. The piece is governed by the intended use of repetitive micro-patterns that are carriers of harmonic and rhythmic material, gradually and macro/ microstructurally sliced creating new shapes and formations of sonic material. The music is projecting processes of macro and micro collage that result from the so-called slicing of established sonic material, leading to a new perception and understanding of pre-articulated material. Finally, the verbal description “…let the wooden grains ring” alludes to the idea of a sound world filtered by a legno tratto sound profile that reflects a wooden timbral profile. The piece was commissioned by the Herrenhaus Edenkoben, with the friendly support of the Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung, and is dedicated to the Arditti Quartet.