(From the composer)
What if Bartok, the best known of string quartet composers in the 20th century, had been able to outlive his last illness and continue in the New World? Where might he have found inspiration/ideas for additional quartets (#7, #8, etc), furthering the craft of this exceptional form?
The ‘Eternity’ Quartet can be regarded as a continuation of Bartok’s remarkable compositional approach, and his own connection to the classical tradition of Beethoven, Brahms, etc combining dissonance with listenability in the modern age. Conceived for 5 movements, each movement presents a unique atmosphere that can stand alone in performance, from an energetic opening recalling Bartok #4, to the ethereal stillness of the closing movement, and always mindful of Ostling’s own previous effort. And thanks to the exceptional Manhattan String Quartet, we will have a chance to review this experiment in 2026 under their guidance and willingness. (!!)
Regarding its predecessor, String Quartet #1 was also premiered by the MSQ in a Louisville performance. From program notes by Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Weaver, the earlier work “stands the confrontation without apologies…Ostling has written a profound, moving veneration of Bartok…” (Dr. Weaver's complete program notes are available here.)
‘Eternity’ aims to continue this veneration on a new level entirely, heading into the music of our time.
