The Maturing Suite

Programme Notes

The Maturing Suite is a set of five pieces for string duo. I conceived the suite as something violin and cello students could enjoy practicing and performing together. The pieces can be presented either as a complete set or individually.

Musically, I aimed for each piece to evoke a unique character and highlight a specific string or compositional technique:

• I: Lyrical interplay between the two instruments
• II: A deeply melancholy, expressive folk piece, featuring extensive vibrato
• III: Playful, quick, and light
• IV: Haunting, reminiscent of a scary movie soundtrack, with tremolo and glissandi
• V: Very rhythmic and groove-oriented, with extensive pizzicato; optional: perform with a metronome, or have a third person tap or clap quarter notes throughout

Though each piece in the suite is relatively short, their durations increase progressively, “maturing” as the set advances. The suite was composed during my student years, and the process of creating it was instrumental in my own growth as a composer.

Many thanks to my friend, Mehdi Javanfar, for his invaluable suggestions for this suite.

– Frank Horvat