Six Sixteen
2015
For guitar and string quartet
Program Notes
"Six Sixteen" refers to the number of strings used in this work, (6 for the guitar, and 4 times the 4 of each string quartet instrument) in the original chamber version of the work.
The piece seems to evoke an image of a waking dream, or sense of memory for me. So the title might also refer to a time of day (6:16AM), a room number, an address, a special date...
Although the piece follows a traditional three movement form of fast, slow, fast. The first movement begins with a slow, thoughtful prelude. This prelude was not necessarily intended to be part of the final composition, but as the music evolved, I grew to like it more and more; it seemed to set the stage for reflection, and drama to follow. This simple opening sequence of "memory" chords is reprised at the end of the first movement.
The 2nd and 3rd movements are a study in contrasts; the second being a peaceful and hypnotic, while the third more about agitation and effort. The nightmare is one of the most intense types of dreams and seems like a fitting finale.
- Jeff Beal, June 2015 Los Angeles