String Quartet No. 1: Prelude and Metamorphosis (1989)
2 violins, viola, cello: 8 mins
This piece offers two ways of looking at a simple melodic shape: the Prelude presents it in a fast and rhythmical manner in an ‘earthly’ Phrygian mode, and the reflective Metamorphosis transforms it into a lyrical and expressive slow movement ending in the ‘heavenly’ Lydian mode as the music becomes more luminous and spiritual in character. The piece shares some material with Bullard’s choral and orchestral work Song to St Helena.
First performed by the Landolfi Quartet, Hadleigh 2 July 1990
Scrolling Score here – see and hear the music
Performance here on SoundCloud
Published by Colne Edition: Score and parts available as a downloadable pdf from the composer here price £15.00 GBP, or from Sheet Music Direct or Sheet Music Plus (prices vary)