Motherness Suite

For String Quartet (14′)

I The Moment

II The Little Seed Grows

III Fear, and Love

Programme note:

The ‘Motherness Suite’ is an intimate portrait of a journey into motherhood; an observation, and sometimes a celebration, of the new and very emotional path which new parents walk, and the intensity with which some of these new emotions can overwhelm.

‘The Moment’ is an emotive photograph of the point in time in which a new life enters the world. A moment incomparable to any other, this piece tries to envelop the listener in sound and in an intense harmonic landscape, constantly shifting from uneasy, to joyous and all-consuming, just as this moment completely overcomes those in its presence.

‘The Little Seed Grows’ is a playful and often jubilant rhythmic dance that never stops, capturing the endless growth, change and constant upheaval through a constantly moving pizzicato train, and many harmonic twists and turns. There is a poignancy in the melody to the way in which time forever moves forwards, and this ‘little seed’ will never be so little again.

‘Fear, and Love’ is a tender but sorrowful portrait of a mother’s love and the way in which this love so intensely connects to a constant fear of loss. Sometimes this fear overcomes, sometimes it is kept at bay. For some it has become a reality, and this piece is dedicated to all the mothers who have suffered this loss.

Photo Credit: Ingrid Timmerman