In the three sections of music presented, the dynamics between instruments shifted and offered diversity to the performance. While there were only four instruments passing notes between themselves – the cello, viola, and two violins – the interactions that played out between them offered unique texture to each piece.
In the first piece, the first violin often dominated the score with the three other instruments serving as support and offering harmony. It often played a single, drawn out note, allowing the others to develop the note into a richer sound. At some points, the second violin joined the first, working in tandem to provide consistent melody. The cello was often introduced in subtle harmonies, undertones accentuating nuances and allowing the higher pitched viola to draw it closer towards piece being developed by the violins. In one instance, the first violin played a few notes in isolated musical ecstasy, paused abruptly, and then continued the piece in synchronization with the other three instruments – once again, leading the group into a particular section.
Alternately, the cello began the second piece, setting the tone as more ominous than the one previously performed. The two violins stepped in once again, played in harmony, supporting the cello in its ambitious endeavor. Throughout the preliminary stages of the piece, all four instruments start and stop in precise synchronization, indicating their unity despite what would follow it – the first violin played a piece, only to be harshly interrupted by the other three instruments as though they, too, are vying for the spotlight. However, at other moments, the other three yield to the first violin, responding to its call and slipping back into their typical roles with the viola and cello harmonizing and the violins playing together.
A unique dynamic is established at the opening of the third piece: the first violin begins, as expected, but instead of joining at once, the other three instruments enter the piece one by one, accentuating their individuality and importance for the comprehensive product. The cello offers particular support during this piece, plucking strings to provide rhythm, balance, and necessary tension to the piece. At the point, the cello even begins a melody, only to be followed by the viola and then the violins in recognition of an occasionally reversed power structure necessary to establish unity. Nevertheless, the other instruments often follow the first violin’s lead, either by increasing or decreasing volume as the first violin does, or by mimicking their tune. Interestingly, the cello breaks away from this structure during one moment, repeating the piece played by violins but while the violins move on to a different section, leaving the cello behind to fend for itself.
