Quartet

Each of the three movements has its distinctive idiom.
First movement: the most ‘European’ in character, a kind of sonata that plays on the contrast between rhythmic and lyrical episodes. The Early Music consort-style is audible, but with a bigband-ring and sometimes in an African-sounding rhythmic idiom.

Second movement: a strongly meditative music based on the Balinese gamelan, in particular the melody of the barong, a dance to excorcise the devil. The Balinese rhythmic figuration acquires a Western, harmonic twist; here the devil is that of melancolia.

Third movement: African and Western polyphony concur, propelled by more upbeat rhythms. A mixture of melodies, sometimes reminiscent of the previous gamelan movement. The short coda provides a summary of the emotional contrasts within the piece.