Quiet Sounds originally drew its inspiration from what the title suggests, the quiet sounds of these five string instruments. These sounds take on a different character as they are amplified to “normal” volume, providing an exciting palate of new sounds. However, the entire piece is not derived from the quiet sounds, but the last two-thirds explore what was hidden in them, the music behind these ideas. The second section of the piece contrasts greatly with the first. From the cacophonous world of rubbing, scratches, and scrapings, a magnificent wall of harmony emerges. This section is ruled by a pulsating engine and develops rhythmic motives that were present in the first. This first section could be thought of as a dream, a dream that is ended by the ensuing reality of pitch and harmony. However, the opposite might be interpreted as well – this I want to leave open for the audience. As the section continues, the largest climax of the piece ends the second section on one very long, high intensity chord. It is at this climax where we see a return of silence from the instruments. The very first minute of the work is completely silent, the only noises coming from the dancers. This concept returns here, although now reverb is applied to stage sounds as if to imply that the dancers’ movements are larger than reality. When the strings come back in, they have also been influenced by this new mood, with reverb on all of their sounds as well. Now, the audience might perhaps revisit their interpretation of the first section. Was that reality, and this the dream? After all, this last section derives its material and structure from that material explored with the “quiet sounds,” although now with pitch. On the surface this third section might be closely related to the second section, but at its core is only a variation of the first. But as in a dream, things are not remembered so precisely but are expanded upon in strange ways. Finally, the piece ends with a very long coda, in hopes that the audience will find rest in a contemplative state of rest and satisfied intrigue.
