Download and Purchase Sample Pieces
The Quartet Project is a work-in-progress. The full six-volume collection is scheduled for publication in 2011. In the meantime,
there are several ways for you to get your hands on the music and start using it.
• Download eight pieces free
Click here for details (This takes you to a new page: Free downloads, see below for text.)
• Purchase a Quartet Project sampler—15 pieces ranging in level from elementary to advanced—for $20 (€20). Bound copies of
scores and parts will be shipped to you.
Click here for details (This takes you to a new page: Quartet Project sampler, see below for text.)
• Purchase music suited to the specific level of your quartet.
Click here for details (This takes you to Email form 3)
• Order your copy of the complete 6-volume collection now. $150 (€150) Publication is scheduled for 2011. By pre-ordering your
copy now, you’ll help support the Quartet Project on its journey to publication.
Click here to order on-line (This takes you to “EMAIL FORM 1”)
Click here to order by mail (This takes you to “REVISED CONTRIBUTION FORM.”)
• Join our mailing list. You’ll receive occasional updates on our progress. We’ll also alert you when the Quartet Project is
published.
Click here to join the mailing list (THIS TAKES YOU TO “EMAIL FORM 4”.)
Free Downloads
Four views of a simple tune—Four versions of a short tune in first position, moving gradually from unison to four-part
counterpoint. Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to download Four views of a simple tune
Clang factor—Loud, bright, and brash. Other than a few easy natural harmonics, all four parts stay in first position. Includes a
third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to download Clang factor
Strolling song—Broad and lyrical modal tune. Some accidentals and grace notes, but all parts stay in first position. Includes a
third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to download Strolling song
Fiddle fragment—A short burst of fiddle music. Fast and loud. Shifting and accidentals in all parts. Includes a third violin part,
which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to download Fiddle fragment
Click here to watch a performance of Fiddle fragment (NEEDS PERMISSION)
Forest waltz—A tuneful waltz, with comfortable solos for everyone except the second violin (though s/he gets a nice duet line).
Lots of accidentals, but they lie well under the hand. Just a hint of sleaziness makes it a favorite of intermediate-level quartets.
Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to download Forest waltz
Click here to watch a performance of Forest Waltz (NEEDS PERMISSION)
Broken lines—Three different lines are divided among the four players: a brief melody, a pizzicato bass line, and a scampering
16th note figure. The individual parts are straightforward (the cello part requires 4th position); the trick is to make the hand-offs
between parts seamless.
Click here to download Broken lines
Click here to listen to Broken lines
Launch—Changing meters, crunching accents, big melodies for first violin and viola. Requires shifting in all parts.
Click here to download Launch
Click here to listen to Launch
Lullaby—A warm, sweeping tune in A major. Solos for all parts.
Click here to download Lullaby
Click here to listen to Lullaby
Quartet Project Sampler
The Quartet Project Sampler contains 15 pieces ranging in level from elementary to advanced. The pieces are described below.
Bound copies of scores and parts will be shipped to you for $20 (€20).
To order your Quartet Project sampler on-line, click here. (THIS TAKES YOU TO “EMAIL FORM 2”)
To order your Quartet Project sampler by mail, download the following order form and mail it with your check to Hybrid Vigor
Music, PO Box 194, North Hatfield, MA 01066:
(THIS TAKES YOU TO “ORDER FORM 2”.)
Six alter egos—Six versions of a short tune in first position, moving gradually from unison to four-part counterpoint. Low second
finger for violins throughout. Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Chatter box—Loud, brash, fast, but not too difficult. First position and lots of rhythmic unison. Includes a third violin part, which
may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to watch a performance of Chatter box (NEEDS PERMISSION)
Circular song—A gentle modal tune. First violin uses third position. Other parts are in first position throughout. Includes a third
violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to listen to Circular song
Widening circle—An expansion of the tune from “Circular song”. First violin uses third position. Other parts are in first position
throughout. Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Click here to listen to Widening circle
Crossing modes—Energetic bickering between the parts. Accents, glissandi. All parts remain in first position. Includes a third
violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Bittersweet tune—Lilting waltz with a folk-like, American flavor. Nice solo for the second violin. All parts remain in first position.
Viola needs high third finger for f# and c#. Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Noses in the air—Four variations on a sprightly tune in 5/4. Nice syncopations and pizzicato. Third position for first violin. A few
friendly double-stops and natural harmonics. Includes a third violin part, which may be used in place of the viola.
Little funk—Viola and cello share syncopated line. Pizzicato accompaniment for violins. Very little shifting required.
Click here to listen to Little funk
Cradle song—A dark, undulating lullaby. Whole-tone lines in viola and cello. The individual parts are relatively easy, but the
intonation demands careful attention. Requires comfort with extended positions, half-position, etc.
Au courant—Quick, light, accents and articulation are paramount. Accidentals and shifting in all parts.
Click here to watch a performance of Au courant (DON’T HAVE VIDEO YET, AND NEEDS PERMISSION)
Wistful thinking—Brief, poignant recollection. Good bow control needed to shape phrases.
Dizzy mystic—Energetic, infectious tune with hints of eastern Europe. Grace notes, syncopation.
Click here to watch a performance of Dizzy mystic (DON’T HAVE VIDEO YET, AND NEEDS PERMISSION)
Insinuation—Rustling, unsettled. Lots of different tone colors—snap pizzicato, sul ponticello, sul tasto, tremolo, harmonics.
Compulsion—A four-note osinato motive unfolds obsessively. Raucous harmonies.
Click here to watch a performance of Compulsion (THIS IS THE YOUTUBE CLIP WE ALREADY HAVE UP)
Hang time—Quasi-minimalist, with lyrical lines that float in time. “Hang time” recalls an afternoon walk in the park. I heard music
from the distance, but couldn’t identify its source—some sort of guitar? A gamelan? A cimbalom ensemble? Walking closer, I
found a man playing a “Hang,” a lap-sized steel drum invented in Switzerland in 2000. A beautiful, shimmering timbre... “Hang
time” is best suited to an advanced group, as the counting is tricky.
