Swinging Strings  Ref: JM37bSC

The quartet 'Swinging Strings' is, as its title might imply, a mellow 'swing' piece influenced by both traditional British pop music and the traditional English school of 'harmonic' string writing going back to the romantic generation. It is proving to be a popular piece exactly for this combination of modern rhythmic (almost 'jazzy-pop' feel) within traditional string writing. It is not at all difficult for the very intermediate string quartet who might be working, perhaps for the first time, on some Haydn quartets however played by professionals this piece can sound very 'slick' and convincing indeed. It should also be mentioned that this work makes a warming 'encore' to the serious recital. It is also possible to perform in a rather different string orchestral version, containing a number of differences especially with regard to colourings and string divisi passages. The orchestral version also makes fine reading for Youth Orchestras and young Conservatoire orchestras, whilst being a fun piece for more advanced or professional players. Somewhat depending on the speed chosen the duration should normally be around four and a half minutes. The piece 'Swinging Strings' is dedicated to Robert (Bob) Dent, a most gifted and versatile cellist based in London, and a life-long friend and colleague of the composer.