STRING QUARTET

Among his many compositions, Kenneth V. Jones wrote a concerto for string orchestra (1956), a concerto for oboe and strings (1963), The Pollock, an orchestral prelude (1963), O Light Invisible, a cantata for soprano, mixed chorus and orchestra (1963), a sonata for solo violin (1967), Dialysis, for violin and harpsichord (1973), Quaquaverse, for saxophone quartet (1979), Paean for organ (1983), three Sinfonias for orchestra, as well as piano works, song cycles, film, play and television scores and church music, including hymns and anthems. The String Quartet No. 1, Op. 6 (1950) is cast in one unbroken movement consisting of two clear sections. In the short opening Lento espressivo, an eloquent, sinuous theme is introduced by the first violin and then taken up the viola. Gradually the tempo increases, heralding the arrival of the main Allegro moderato, closely argued and driven by an unflagging rhythmic energy. Commenting on this piece, Jones asserted that the 'acerbic, gritty character of the music' is in 'direct contrast' to the pre-Second World War 'English pastoral style'. Nevertheless, there is, to these ears at least, a certain folk-like quality to the writing, not least in it's punchy syncopations, that roots the score in a distinctly British landscape.