Program Notes

Movement I: Glissandi - upwards, downwards and in contrary motion - evoke the sounds of jet engines, formula one cars and Jimi Hendrix's performance of 'Star Spangled Banner'.

Movement II: A cycle of quavers played pizzicato has its timings twisted and bent out of shape to become stuttering, rush and erratic. 

Movement III: This etude is obsessive, strident and dissonant - as loud, accented notes gradually become infected by chains of semiquavers. 

Movement IV: The most unusual of the four etudes - using a novel technique, the violinist sustains hushed three-note chords in a serene and meditative atmosphere.