Mandy Leung - Chacier

Chacier is from the 4th movement of my String Quartet No. 1, in which the four movements are all connected by a single motif (D - G - Eb - F#). Chacier begins with a breathless ‘Vivo’ that draws from the Ukrainian Dorian mode on C, in which the motif can be found (C - D - Eb - F# - G - A - Bb - C). This section’s power and robustness is created using consecutive downbows and unison passages. Cross-rhythmic and hocketted pizzicato is used as a transition between sections. The middle section is chorale-like with its homophonic texture and the use of mutes creates a peaceful atmosphere like in the second movement. Then, in the second ‘Vivo’ section a broader appassionato climax uses material from the chorale and features a thicker texture built up from arpeggios. The final ‘Vivo’ section is performed more urgently and ends with a pizzicato chord just like the first movement.