Composer

:

Brett Dean

Compose Date

:

2014

Average_duration

:

19:48

Brett Dean's String Quartet No. 2 for soprano & string quartet ('And Once I Played Ophelia') was composed in 2013 and premiered on August 30, 2013, at the Edinburgh International Festival. The piece is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different Shakespearean character. The movements are titled "Ophelia," "Desdemona," "Lady Macbeth," "Cordelia," "Gertrude," and "Juliet." The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as glissandi, harmonics, and pizzicato, which create a haunting and ethereal atmosphere. The soprano voice is used sparingly, with the majority of the text being spoken or whispered by the string quartet. The text is drawn from Shakespeare's plays, and each movement explores the inner thoughts and emotions of the character it is named after. In "Ophelia," the first movement, the soprano sings a fragment of Ophelia's mad scene from Hamlet, while the strings create a dissonant and fragmented accompaniment. The second movement, "Desdemona," is based on the character from Othello and features a mournful melody played by the cello. "Lady Macbeth," the third movement, is characterized by its use of aggressive and percussive string techniques, which reflect the character's ambition and ruthlessness. The fourth movement, "Cordelia," is based on the character from King Lear and features a delicate and introspective melody played by the viola. "Gertrude," the fifth movement, is based on the character from Hamlet and features a haunting melody played by the first violin. The final movement, "Juliet," is based on the character from Romeo and Juliet and features a soaring and romantic melody played by the second violin. Overall, Brett Dean's String Quartet No. 2 for soprano & string quartet ('And Once I Played Ophelia') is a haunting and introspective work that explores the inner thoughts and emotions of some of Shakespeare's most iconic characters. The use of extended techniques and sparse vocal lines creates a unique and otherworldly atmosphere that is both beautiful and unsettling.

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