String Quartet No. 2

String Quartet No. 2

Eschewing more traditional, Italianate nomenclature for movement titles like “Chaser,” “Plucker,” and “Grinder” is but the first indication that Nathaniel Stookey’s String Quartet No. 2 is a decidedly 21st century sort of composition. Add to these stylistic references to video arcades and some of his favorite pop songs and you have Musée Mécanique. His working… Read more »

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NewMusicBox Staff

Eschewing more traditional, Italianate nomenclature for movement titles like “Chaser,” “Plucker,” and “Grinder” is but the first indication that Nathaniel Stookey’s String Quartet No. 2 is a decidedly 21st century sort of composition. Add to these stylistic references to video arcades and some of his favorite pop songs and you have Musée Mécanique. His working title, Five Gadgets, reveals a bit more of the thought process behind this work. As each movement unfolds the machine grows into a big “Mixer.” Keep an ear out for the nod to the artist once again known as Prince…

—MS