An approachable and evocative work, based on the landscape around Queenstown in NZ. This piece was written for a birthday celebration.
Opus No : 71
Category : Chamber Works / strings
Year : 1995-6
Duration : 10'00
Commissioned by : Morgan Jones
Instrumentation:
Level :
3 - for professional and semi-professional musiciansfor string quartet
Available from
the composer
Archival recording by the composer
Whakatipua for string quartet was commissioned by Morgan Jones as a surprise present for his wife, Pat, who was turning 60. The piece was first played at their wonderful home near Queenstown, on the occasion of Pat's birthday. It was written for a quartet then resident at the University of Otago Music department.
The piece is in a single movement. Slower sections at the beginning and end surround a main quick section. The piece evokes the mountain landscape around Queenstown, and also Morgan and Pat's place, which is called 'Whakatipua'. There are elements of folk music in the piece which is characterised by open-sounding sonorities. It is reasonably challenging for the players without being too demanding.