Lydia Kakabadse: Nomadic Dances – for “alternative” string quartet (NXP154)

This is a sheet music edition of Nomadic Dances by the composer Lydia Kakabadse.

Sheet music for “alternative” string quartet (violin, viola, cello and double bass)

Score: 21 pages
Violin: 5 pages
Viola: 5 pages
Cello: 5 pages
Double bass: 5 pages

Duration: 8 minutes

Preface and programme notes

This is a collection of nomadic dances for violin, viola, cello and double bass, composed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Made up of 3 dances, the work makes use of the double harmonic scale as well as rhythmic vying between the lower and upper strings. It is characterized by an emphasis on melody, ornamentation and syncopated rhythms, which seek to capture the soul and mystique of the nomadic dance.

The work has been recorded on the Divine Art label and is included in my choral/chamber album “Kefi.”

1. Ceremonial Gathering

Played molto energico, the piece starts with the violin and viola playing an irregular pattern of syncopated rhythms against a flow of quavers in the lower strings, resulting in dissonant harmonies and a sense of the unexpected. As the mood changes and becomes calmer, there are a series of imitative semi-quaver runs between the double bass and cello, as well as some dialogue between the violin and viola.

2. Herding

The cello announces the 1st theme which, in turn, is elaborated by the viola, double bass and violin. All 4 instruments are presented as equals in a musical dialogue, made up of frequent imitative interplay.

3. Trekking

After a 13-bar introduction where there is much unison playing, the violin announces the main theme, which is then varied by each of the instruments. In keeping with the title “Trekking”, there is an uninterrupted steady and persistent pace throughout this movement, representing the nomads making long arduous journeys venturing beyond ancient trails.