Neutral Objects
for string quartet, 3min / 6.5min (extended version), written for JACK Quartet (2020)
Milk, red hats, masks, toilet paper, soap, fireworks, straws, stamps & mailboxes.
In times of violence, protest & upheaval, “neutral objects” come to stand in the place of events, effectively “de-neutralizing” them as they become situated in new contexts. These objects on their own, decontextualized, represent the everyday.
“It’s a skill to write short pieces, especially for string quartet. In this recent work written as part of National Sawdust’s New Works Commission, Yaz showcases an expertise in pacing and material through the contemplation of the everyday. Harmonies build themselves, warp, transform, and fade. I could listen to Neutral Objects for 3 minutes or 3 hours.”
Recordings:
National Sawdust Digital Discovery Festival
Christopher Otto & Austin Wulliman, violins
John Pickford-Richards, viola
Jay Campbell, cello
*Audio is additionally featured on Score Follower Video
Sound Off: Music for Bail
Curtis Stewart, Njioma Grevious, violins
Kayla Williams, viola
Thapelo Masita, cello
Written for & premiered at the National Sawdust Digital Discovery Festival New Works Commission; Mentors for this commission included Marcos Balter, Steve Smith, Ellen Reid, Jeffrey Zeigler, Andy Bart, the members of JACK Quartet, Pamela Z, Chris Grymes and Karen Wong. Special thanks to Artistic Producer Eve O’Donnell, Technical Director Charles Hagaman, Sound Designer Garth MacAleavey, Lighting Designer Sharif Mekawy & Artistic Director Paola Prestini.
World premiere 12/11/2020 @ National Sawdust (NYC)