Program Note: As I set out to write this work for the Carpe Diem String Quartet, I felt myself inspired by something familiar – the desire to write a work with that forged emotionally compelling drama not primarily out of swelling lyricism, but rather primarily out of rhythm, energy, and a sense of propulsion. Seven years ago, I wrote a work called Rhapsody inspired by the same musical idea. In that work, I attempted to convey a sense of tragedy emerging out of frenzied rhythmic passages. In those days there was a sense that, whether it was increasing political turmoil, climate change, or resurgent authoritarianism, the future was at best foreboding. Rhapsody was about the potential tragedy of losing the privileges we enjoyed.

Since that time, we have indeed witnessed the ongoing ramifications of political turmoil, climate change, resurgent authoritarianism and of course, a once-in-a-century global pandemic. Sadly, the global and national circumstances under which I’ve written Rhapsody II would certainly qualify as a realization of the foreboding future evoked in Rhapsody. And yet, although similar in musical concept, Rhapsody II is in some ways the mirror image of Rhapsody. Rather than intending to portray tragedy, Rhapsody II portrays hope, optimism, and brightness. It is a musical portrayal of what a better world might feel and sound like, with boundless excitement, energy, and a sense of recovery and joy.

I am indebted to the Carpe Diem String Quartet, who commissioned Rhapsody II for the ensemble’s 15th anniversary project, 15 for 15.

Commisioned By: The Carpe Diem String Quartet

Premiere: World Premiere anticipated for spring 2023 in Columbus, OH.