On the Cusp of Insanity (Completed)

Here is the 4th movement. I really need to know if this is dark enough and satisfies the listener. Does it bring this quartet to a completion?

For those who do not know the story, this is about my 10 years of marriage to an insane woman. She knew she was sick and refused to do anything about it. For that 10 years I was

On the Cusp of Insanity 4th movement.mid

On the Cusp of Insanity 4th movement.sib

On the Cusp of Insanity 4th movement.pdf

On the Cusp of Insanity 3rd movement.pdf

On the Cusp of Insanity 2nd movment.pdf

String quartet 4.pdf

Alright, Ron. That's my favorite work from you until now!

Since it's almost completed, I would have to give it a good listen (so, no review for now), and I want some scores!

Cool!!! I like it the best myself. My computer is down right now, so I can not get to the scores. Which ones did you want?

Hmmm, all of them???

manos,

I've finally got my computer back up and running. I will post some pdf's hopefully by the weekend. Sorry it's taking so long.

I have fixed all the glaring mistakes and posted pdf's of the scores.

Ron,

1st Movement:

What a combination or bipolar-ism of contrasting qualities within the themes. The higher register seems to echo a blissful new beginning while underneath a dark chromatic "slide" foreshadows the future. This is brilliant. I am so impressed with the duality of this movement yet coherent and twisting-ly interesting. The use of dynamics, marcato textures, and pizzicato all add to the impact of your opening act.

It was, in my opinion, maybe a "bit" too long. I enjoyed the repeats of themes but maybe you could vary them a "bit" more. However, this does not hinder my enjoyment.

2nd Movement:

Your playful nature with dissonance is apparent and always brings a surprising turn.

This movement is more of a continuation than contrast with the 1st movement and seems a little slower and at peace with itself. And always the slightest suggestion of hardship and inner trial while resolving with hope.

As I listen to these movements I would like to suggest you venture into the ranges of each instrument as you do so wonderfully with their textures.

3rd Movement:

I like how the movements seem to progressively get a little bit more calm yet interlaced with this darkness that is slowly creeping to the forefront. I like the more lush soundscapes and the use of the lower strings by themselves. I would explore more into using string couples for a while to help our ear to escape the full use of the ensemble. I do hear "bits" of scattered themes from the other movements.

At this point I would also start to experiment with rhythms; even triplet use.

Now, the conclusion of this movement makes a statement and is worth the journey. Resolved but leaves us in question. Great touch!

4th Movement:

OK, I know your reviving some older thematic material here. Enjoyed but would like to hear something surprising - and you delivered. There is a huge chordal cadence about 30 to 40 secs into this movement that was extremely powerful. My ear definitely wanted to hear more of this type of writing.

I know you wanted this movement to be the darkest and I think you achieved it "somewhat". Maybe when you repeat the themes of the 1st and 2nd movements try to revisit them in new contrasting colors to darken them.

Also, the playful "march-like" rhythm takes away from the darkness. You can always "play" with rhythms.

OK you brought back my favorite chordal cadence and are starting to resolve this movement. Nice touch with the grand finale approach; I enjoyed it but are you sure you want to end this work of such despair in a grandeur of consonance?

Pros:

No BS flattery here.

This is a wonderful and thought provoking work when you are aware of it's storyline. Your exploration of chordal colors and different string textures and articulations made the piece function and gave power to fuel your emotions. This is also a success on a personal level when a composer can encapsulate such an experience into something exciting and tonally pleasurable. It's wonderful to see how such "misery" can bring something "beautifully" expressive from one's heart.

Cons:

In my opinion, based on my own personal approaches to composition, I would explore the following:

Thematic revisiting and rearranging; Learn to transpose or modulate themes or abbreviate or extend them by note length. Also play with different registers of each instrument. The violin on it's lower string, when quietly accompanied, can be absolutely awesome. Also, don't use all the instruments for too long of time. Give the listener's ear a break from the full sound and start dividing and even soloing some of the instruments.

In conclusion:

This work has unfortunately gone unseen for too long. This is a major accomplishment no matter your personal tastes or academic expectations. The composer here has poured his heart and experiences onto an electric canvas for all to listen.

This obviously belongs in more than just one category on this forum.

Bravo Ron!

A job well done!

Michael

WOW!!!

I had to reread what I had wrote about this and not once did I say she was Bi-polar except in the music itself. This is exactly what I was trying to convey. Your cons are totally understandable and I am learning now how to

"to transpose or modulate themes or abbreviate or extend them by note length"

In one latter piece I have used the lower register of the violin and love the contrast.

One problem I always have is learning that less is more. I say it to myself all the time but I don't always listen.

This is high praise coming from some one of your calibre of talent and it is most appreciated.

Your very welcome Ron. :(

Also, don't think of it as "less is more" on a grand scale but of "balance" between differences.

Michael

I like the character of the 4th movement from on the cusp of insanity but I think you need to vary the harmony in the bass somewhat, u dont Have to use 5th from c to g the whole time.. I think you should keep that rythmic idea of the bass but develop it somewhat more (maybe embellish the chord or put it in different register. or have a more interesting chord progression!)If you keep just the CG going it keeps the piece too static..which I think isn't what you want... Like I said I like the gesture, I think you need to develop it! good piece nonetheless

..dont forget to check out my posts :sadtears:

both effective and beutiful, an artful expression of mental frustration and anguish...I listened to all four mvts. in awe, very well done.

both effective and beutiful, an artful expression of mental frustration and anguish...I listened to all four mvts. in awe, very well done.

Thank you very much. ;)

Be happy you didn't have to live thru the times that I did.

This piece is simply awesome. I enjoyed it very thoroughly and it does very well at depicting the bi-polar theme. As someone who personally stuggles with it, I found it a great representation of what it's like to deal with bi-polar disorder. This is by far the most expressive piece I have heard from you this far, and may very well be your best. I am sorry that you had to endure so much hardship during your marriage, but at the very least, this beautiful piece came out of it.