DESCRIPTION:
Composer Geoffrey Gordon's new work for string quartet, Ink on Paper, was commissioned by the Concert Artists Guild and Meet the Composer for the excellent Parker Quartet, and premiered at Symphony Space, in New York City, on May 21, 2009.

Program Notes:

The title, Ink on Paper, is a reference to the practice, in the visual arts, of identifying a work by its medium—as in, oil on canvas, acrylic on wood, etc. Much of my work has been inspired by the visual arts, in one way or another—either specific works (Cool RED Cool, inspired by Andy Warhols 1984 self portrait), or techniques (Collage a Trois Trobar, which reassembles fragments of 12th c. troubadour songs), or even aesthetic movements (Orphism, from my Sonata da Chroma). And then, one day, it was brought to my attention that the paper I had been using for many years was called, bright white smooth, which suggested to me a pretty good title for a new work. This ultimately became a trio for flute, viola and harp, and compelled me to think further along these lines, suggesting the concept and title for this work just taken a little further out, so that we are now talking about what the notes are in the most literal sense. I like the idea that Ink on Paper is really all it is until musicians play it and bring it to life.

Geoffrey Gordon
7 January 2009