Static Motion (2006) - Belinda Reynolds

for string quartet Commissioned by Deer Valley Music Festival; Premiered July 2007 - Park City, UT Static Motion, is a one movement work for string quartet, commissioned by the Deer Valley Music Festival and written for the Cecila Quartet. The title of the piece refers to the unique way I tried to play with the balance of a shifting rhythmic and melodic structure against a seemingly still/slow harmonic pace. Static Motion rests on two chord progressions, one going from the key of c minor to G Major, the other focusing on moving from c minor to f minor. The only note that differs between these two harmonic worlds is the pitch Bb. It is that note that I use as an ‘axis’ from which to explore how can I create tension and motion in the piece within this ‘static’ tonal world. For the ‘motion’ of the work. I rely on the interplay of the opening melody and rhythmic accompaniment to propel the music into different textures and statements of the chord progression. These shifts create different