if the stars align... by LEILA ADU published on 2013-02-27T19:24:10Z if the stars align... I : Shooting Stars II : La Terra III : Sirian Highlife Cadenza for Viola : Blue Companion Star IV : Digitaria Performed by the illustrious Brentano String Quartet at Princeton University in Taplin Fine Hall, Feb 2013. This four movement piece with a cadenza, illuminates the viola as a soloist in contrast and in conjunction with the quartet. It encompasses spectral and microtonal elements (i.e. crazy tunings are intentional), as well as polyrhythms inspired by the date 12/12/12 and Ghanaian highlife. (Program Note Excerpt) I came to see the Brentano String Quartet play in New Zealand on the invitation of Euan Murdoch, head of Chamber Music NZ. I was delighted to be able to meet the performers after the show, who kindly told me how I was going to love my upcoming time in Princeton for my composition PhD. Misha Amory, the viola player, said to me: "If the stars align, you will write for us." Comment by Steve Cournane Wonderful 2021-07-14T03:29:43Z Comment by O Paradiso And it's even better the on the 12th consecutive listen! Great work! 2014-01-15T15:45:51Z Comment by Elliot Cole oh and this line too, ohh! 2013-04-05T18:25:18Z Comment by Elliot Cole this is gorgeous 2013-04-05T18:24:43Z