Dittamo, Quartettino Antico
The third piece in the Developing Contemporary Techniques Series, Dittamo (currently a doctoral fellow studying musicology and composition at the University of Chicago) was inspired to draw elements of the past into a new quartet. He describes the work as "a juxtaposition of modal musical material with Classical sonata form." Using Phrygian and Aeolian modes as key areas, Dittamo also drew inspiration from the melismatic chant compositions of the twelfth-century polymath Hildegard von Bingen. Meters of 4/2 and 6/2 expand young player's horizons. First violin part goes up to 6th position, and the viola is featured throughout.
The Developing Contemporary Techniques Series seeks out living composers to write chamber works that provide a gentle introduction for intermediate players to the styles, harmonic languages, and techniques needed for 20th and 21st century music. Inspired by the Kronos Quartet's "Fifty for the Future" project, these pieces help intermediate players understand and enjoy the classical music of their own time.
Demonstration recording below.