The U.S. Visited - String Quartet

The U.S. Visited is a set of five movements for Sting Quartet, each of which depicts a region of the United States. Each Movement uses a different scale and mood, all to reflect the general characteristic of the region. (Also arranged for orchestra.) 1. The North - Industrialism - Repetitious mechanical-sounding motifs; quartal intervals, counterpoint, detached notes; slight variations using key changes, dynamics, tempi; however, depicts monotony and unchanging factory life. 2. The South - Bluesy - Blues Scale to portray a drowsy, relaxed life-style in the hot, humid south. A mood change mid-way through to swing; but not too fast: it reverts to the original mood. 3. The East Coast - Intellectualism - fast-paced challenging rhythmic, meter changing, tone row that portrays a fast life-style of commuters along the East Coast. A reprieve occurs to a more calming nature, but reverts to the business as usual. 4. The Great Plains - Country Festival - playful; open fifths, rhythmic, dance-like, foot- stomping music like a Saturday night barn dance! It becomes more mellow-- perhaps during a picnic-basket auction, or choosing a partner for the next dance, but we do not sit still long! 5. The West Coast - Highway 101 - fast-paced, but light in character; highway with cars speeding, impatient, but always good-natured. A more traditional scale; rhythmic, motifs that represent car horns, and erratic driving. Watch the ending! Like the drivers, it is full of surprises! Wait for the last word! NOTE: Recordings: 1. The North - live; long lead in; 2 and 4: from computer software; 3 and 5: live performance mp3's.