Album Notes

GENERATIONS

A five-movement string quartet
Commissioned by Gannon University
for the 1995 Erie, Pennsylvania BiCentennial Celebration,
for two violins, violin cello, and electric guitar.

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Listen.

I hear the soft music in the background - something classical,
like a string quartet.

The sound is pleasant.

At first, it reminds me of long ago,
of a time when music was meant to be simple and calming.
Medieval, almost.

Then, it becomes more classical, like a fugue.

I move closer, tuning in as the violin plays a lush,
romantic, impressionist theme.

Then, I am sure I hear guitar, as the fourth theme is stated,
the kind of things orchestras play for the second piece.
But it diverges, and suddenly the cello is -
walking a bass line!
And a 20th-century jazz guitar solo ensues.

On my second listen, I hear the four themes beginning the fifth movement,
followed by their coming together as one theme,
unity and diversity.

As I replay Generations, I hear the story unfolding,
and the question remains:

How will our future Generations know us,
but by our time, the deeds we do, and the seeds we sow?

Generations is about our connections through time. Those who go before weave the threads of the present, and as we live the present we create the future.

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The original composition is in five movements. The first movement, which features the second violin, is reminiscent of early medieval music. The second movement, which features the cello, is classical in structure. The third movement, which features the first violin, is romantic in tone. The fourth movement, which features the electric guitar, is in the 20th century style. Each movement borrows from and builds upon the other movements. The fifth and final movement weaves together movements one through four.

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The composer gratefully acknowledges Dr. Cherie Haeger of Gannon University for all of her assistance. Thanks also to Gannon University, Melanie Kuebel and the Gannon University Historical Museum, Laurie and Tom Hitt, Mike Ohm, Tony Stefanelli, Joe Dorris and family, Mary Connerty, and to the people of Erie, PA for their unending local support.