Program Note
For many years, my wife Victoria and her FAB5 quintet (string quartet and percussion), have entertained thousands of people at numerous performance spaces and travel hubs in New York City, including Moynihan Train Hall, Oculus World Trade Center, Javits Center, and Chelsea Market. Having seen many of their shows, especially those at travel hubs, there’s a certain tension and release you experience watching people wait anxiously for their trains, and then the release they feel when they are finally on their way. I’ve had these experiences myself, so I wanted to create two pieces that emulate these feelings.
Wound Up/Unwind consists of two contrasting pieces for string quartet and percussion. The first, Wound Up, for string quartet and cajón, imitates the feeling of being worried, anxious, and frustrated, especially while waiting to board a train. The second, Unwind, for string quartet and handpan, is calm and soothing, perhaps emulating the satisfying feeling of relaxing in a quiet seat as the train leaves the station. Both pieces can be performed independently and in any order.
Wound Up/Unwind is written for and commissioned by the FAB5 quintet with support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Instrumentation
String Quartet
Percussion: Cajón and Hand Pan (D Kurd 10: D) A, B-flat, C, D, E, F, G, A, C)
Performance Note
The Hand Pan may be gently amplified if necessary to balance and blend with the unamplified strings. Alternatively, the entire ensemble may be ampified, especially in an outdoor setting, but not as part of an acoustic string quartet concert.
World Premiere FAB5
Mostly Modern Festival | The Netherlands Oostkerk, Middelburg Middelburg, Zeeland, The Netherlands May 2, 2025
USA Premiere FAB5
Mostly Modern Festival | USA
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall Saratoga Springs, New York, USA June 7, 2025
Duration: ca. 10'00"
Cajón (with pedal)
Cajon (with pedal)
mimic the sound of a drumset: X noteheads are closed hi-hat (slaps), middle notes are snare drum, and low notes are bass drum ad lib.