Paul Osterfield

KHAMSIN

string quartet (about 11 minutes)

Khamsin (1997), composed for string quartet, refers to a Saharan hot, dry dust storm that blows across Northern Africa. The work is in four parts, plus a coda. The first part begins on one pitch, then expands outwards with intense driving rhythms. In contrast, the second section is more placid and laid-back, highlighting sustained tones and harmonics. This is followed by a dancelike section, with an injection of a dose of humor, which then leads to return to the energetic opening material.

Score and parts available for purchase from J.W. Pepper.

Recording available from Amazon or iTunes.



		KHAMSIN string quartet (about 11 minutes) Khamsin (1997), composed for string quartet, refers to a Saharan hot, dry dust storm that blows across Northern Africa. The work is in four parts, plus a coda. The first part begins on one pitch, then expands outwards with intense driving rhythms. In contrast, the second section is more placid and laid-back, highlighting sustained tones and harmonics. This is followed by a dancelike section, with an injection of a dose of humor, which then leads to return to the energetic opening material. Score and parts available for purchase from J.W. Pepper. Recording available from Amazon or iTunes.