By David Balakrishnan, string quartet.

By David Balakrishnan, for string quartet. As heard on Mike Marshall and the Turtle Island Quartet.

Overall description of the three movements: “Interplay continues my lifelong search for ways to integrate various elements of the musical styles that I deeply love and with which I have intimate experience–European classical music, American musical genres like jazz, blues, rock, traditional American fiddle music, bluegrass, etc., and Indian classical music. This search continues to feed me, to challenge me, and to define the boundaries of my vision while providing tantalizing glimpses of seemingly endless possibilities that lie just over the horizon.” Some Improvisation required for violins. Length: 18:00.

III. Thyaga

“Another sanskrit word, means “non-attachment to the fruits of one’s actions.” This movement is the most developed, signifying the heroic struggle that would accompany attempting such a lofty goal. The piece ends in a question mark, to convey the idea that after establishing oneself in such a position, there is no more coming or going, beginning or ending.” Improvisation required violin 1. Length: 6:30