The String Quartet in One Movement is very much a work from Tenney’s youth: he was 21 when he wrote it. Tenney rediscovered it recently in a pile of scores and the work received its premiere in november 2004 by the Quatuor Bozzini — after almost 50 years! It is certainly a very accomplished student work. Tenney was clearly under the influence of Bartók — as the motives, harmony and especially the rhythmic energy demonstrate. And the string writing is beautiful, which is a harbinger of things to come.

— Michael Pisaro

Premiere

• November 11, 2004, James Tenney — 70 ans, REDCAT — Roy and Edna Disney / Calarts Theater, Los Angeles (California, USA)

Performers

• Bozzini Quartet (Clemens Merkel, violin; Nadia Francavilla, violin; Stéphanie Bozzini, viola; Isabelle Bozzini, cello)