Pulse

String quartet

In the fall of 2001, my good friend Eric Grant asked me to write something for the Norwegian Wood String Quartet, a fine ad hoc student ensemble which he played cello in. During that time, I had been working on a Bach chorale from the St. John Passion called “O Grosse Lieb” in my piano lessons and, for some reason or another, that material just crept into my writing. I blended the chorale with a short motive over a gentle pulse (hence, the title) and the piece sort of worked itself out over a brief period.

Pulse received its premiere at my senior composition recital in Noble Recital Hall on November 24, 2002 and is dedicated with love to my good friend, Eric Grant, who showed me all things cello. #ElgarConcerto4Life