Barbara Heller

Patchwork

Patchwork, the third string quartet by Barbara Heller, with its cheerful and light character, is an enjoyable piece. Playfully flowing figures, often in pizzicato, alternate with 'still soundscapes'. Designed by Heller as a tritone study, the tonal material consists of whole-tone relations throughout. The unusual tone colour of the tritone therefore requires precise intonation. with regards to tempo, it allows for free interpretation: Patchwork can either be played statically at a moderate tempo or one can 'scurry' quickly and humorously through the piece.