techno logic (1997)

for string quartet with optional effects pedals and CD playback

or string quartet + didjeridu

duration: 25 minutes

Movements from this work may be performed separately or in different combinations: for example, the first, third and fifth movements would form a set called technologic 135.

Faber Music publishing details


Audio Excerpts (coming soon)

First movement:

Second movement:

Third movement:

Fourth movement:

Fifth movement:


Programme Notestechno logic

      was written in 1997 as a commission from the Elektra String Quartet, and premiered by them in October of that year.

As the title suggests, a good deal of the music was written using techniques found in techno music, including repetition, parallel triadic harmony, block-line structures and predominantly fast tempos. The structure of the piece as a whole is reminiscent of Peter Sculthorpe’s String Quartet No. 8. The outer movements contain slower yet intense material with the cello imitating the sound of the didjeridu. The 2nd and 4th movements most obviously use features of techno music as described above. The middle movement takes the form of a bizarre ballet mechanique, wherein the two violins and cello play unflinching regular single notes and motives above an ever-present viola figure.

notes by Matthew Hindson.


CD Recording Available?

      Not yet. The Elektra String Quartet have recorded

technologic 135

      for possible future release. A live recording of the piece performed by the Fyra Quartet and William Barton (didjeridu) is available through the

Australian Music Centre library

    .

Other Information

      The movements of this piece have formed the basis of other works such as

technologic 1-2

      for string orchestra and

technologic 145

    for large chamber ensemble.
      The third movement of this piece,

technologic iii

      , is published by Red House Editions in the string quartet volume

micros

    .

Leave a Reply