'Moods' - op42 nr.2 [17:40]
Unusually an electric fretless bass and synthesizer join the string quartet and piano. Moods, as its title suggests, sets different moods in each movement. The first movement is reflective using an interweaving texture between the instruments. Although its form takes its roots from a classical sonata, it has strong harmonic jazz influences. the viola has a featured solo as does the violin and piano. the second movement is representative of a manic depressive mood, and is intensely personal to the composer who is trying to represent the mood swings of an artist and their work. Alternating between bursts of soaring energy and soulful melody it keeps the listener guessing as to what's coming next. the third movement, only 2 minutes long, is a reaction to the intensity of the 2nd. The hypnotic quality of the repetitive piano brings a quiet calm over which the strings and bass meander gently to bring this piece to a close.

Movement 1

'Friends' - op42 nr.3 [36:00]
Written for vocal and string quartet, piano/synthesiser, fretless bass and jazz saxophone. Starting in a contemplative mood the first movement suggests the unique relationship between friends. A monotone vocal line tells of "no words needed". the lines between contemporary classical, jazz and popular music are merged. Halfway through the piece a solo jazz saxophone is joined by a jazz bass over which a vocal ostinato brings the whole piece into a boisterous humerus mood representing the joys of friendship. the 2nd movement takes the form of a theme (varied on each appearance) and variations which were written with the 'personality' of each instrument in mind. The 3rd movement is a more spiritual look at friendship, with bursts of gospel-like vocal lines. The bass confirms that the 'party' atmosphere is never far away though, with a recurring up-tempo latin-based motif. The climax brings a recited poem over which the main theme is played by the strings.