Listen to the first movement:


Listen to the second movement:


Listen to the third movement:


Listen to the fourth movement:

I have always regarded the string quartet as one of the highest and most pure mediums. As I approached composing my first string quartet, I looked for an equivalent to its perfection and considered the great beauty and expression that a true friendship can embody. What came to my mind was a friendship that I shared with three other people. At the end of the year 2000, one of those friends passed away in a motorcycle accident.

At first, I thought of having each instrument represent one of the friends, but as I continued working, I felt more drawn to dramatic aspects in place of such symbolism. I chose to deal with my friend’s death, my own feelings, and the disintegration of the group.

The piece progresses from the exuberant motorcycle ride, through the accident and into the pain, anger, and frustration that followed the death. It ends with a memory of an experience shared by the four friends.