The Newton’s Cradle
For low string quartet

Approximate performance time: 7:00

Instrumentation:
Viola I
Viola II
Cello
Double Bass*

Performer Position:

[Left to Right, audience perspective] Viola I, Viola II, Cello, Double Bass

Program Notes:

The Newton’s Cradle (2019) programmatically imitates the actions of a Newton’s Cradle where a steel ball bounces off of the surface of another steel ball in an exchange of kinetic energy. The balls bounce back and forth, such as between instruments, or steadily bouncing until it loses all potential and kinetic energy. Despite the loss in amplitude, the pace of the metallic crashes never slows, thus the near constant tempo throughout.

A low string quartet consisting of two violas, a cello and a double bass, in contrast to the standard configuration of a string quartet, best suits the shifts in timbre through interplay in similar ranges.
The piece is designed to be short and pulse-driven throughout with few moments of silence and rest. Development occurs through subtle changes in timbre as the notes shift position in each instrument and through changing in timbre through the pizzicato point. The tempo must be maintained a constant 144 beats per minute in order to bring attention to the later shifts in tempo.

*Double Bass – A C-extension or 5-string is needed to play the low C1 at cadence points. If neither of these are available, one can detune the E-string two whole steps to the low C; no other notes are played on the lowest string, thus the low tuning will not impede performance.

The Newtons Cradle: for Low String Quartet (2019)

Music Theorist - Composer - Arranger - Audiophile - Teacher - Multidisciplinary Enthusiast

The Newtons Cradle: for Low String Quartet (2019)

Weston M-A Bernath