Markku Klami | Composer
red moon
String quartet
Composed:
2011
Score / parts
Instrumentation and duration
String quartet
Duration: 18 minutes
Movements / sections
I. Introduction
II. Ignition
III. Illumination
IV. ad Infinitum
Commission / dedications
Commissioned by Uusinta Chamber Ensemble with support from Madetoja Foundation and Teosto Commission Fund
First performance
Uusinta String Quartet: Maria Puusaari, violin, Teija Kivinen, violin, Max Savikangas, viola, Markus Hohti, cello, Suså Festival, Grønnegade Barracks Arts Centre, Næstved, Denmark, September 4, 2011
Reflections
Concert review, published on Seismograf by Martin Nygaard Hansen-Chernetskiy
September 2011
Markku Klami's red moon is characterized by abrupt sections mixed with atmospheric, motionless chords, but the dynamics and timbre results in an shimmering texture. There is momentary melodic phrases and figurative outbreak.
A heavy, solemn passage sets in and transforms gradually into a lighter, lyrical character that ends up in an ethereal sound. From the silent flickering of actions the piece ends in a crackling climax.
Composer's Notes
red moon was commissioned by Uusinta Chamber Ensemble. Being my first work for a string quartet, I wanted to stay away from getting in panic with the burden generated by the enormous repertoire written for this ensemble throughout the centuries. Of course, one needs to be aware of the past and the history of this ensemble of an almost transcendent beauty, fragility and overwhelming power, all simultaneously.
red moon is a string quartet in a single movement, divided into four sections entitled Introduction, Ignition, Illumination and ad Infinitum.
I want to thank Uusinta Chamber Ensemble for this great opportunity to write a new work for the top-of-the-line Finnish string quartet and Madetoja Foundation and Teosto Commission Fund for financial support towards this commission.