Adagio and Allegro for String Quartet and Marimba

2020

Adagio and Allegro is a challenging work for the advanced quartet.

The Adagio has a sense of stillness and between each set of phrases, there needs to be a unified breath between the players. It is especially important for the strings to keep the sound going, even when playing pianissimo with mutes. Avoid accenting the notes too much. For the Marimba - it’s important to use soft sticks in this movement to create a resonant sound. The solo can have slight rubato.

The Allegro is a work that challenges the Marimba player in numerous ways. Medium-Hard sticks are recommended, especially at the highest register. The elastic band on the lowest ‘C’ can stay through the Adagio as the note is not played by the Marimba. The strings have challenging, fast paced sections throughout but it’s preferred that the character of the piece is conveyed rather than the accuracy of notes, especially in the 2/2 sections.