Program Note:
Of the three works, Quartet No. 17 is the most unusual in terms of form and the progression of ideas. Overall, it’s a brief work. Movements I and III are multi sectional and sound as if they exist in a stream-of-consciousness state of mind in the flow of themes and tempos; only movement II is freestanding.
There are two germinal chords that determine the harmony of this Quartet: F sharp minor and B flat major. Practically the entire Quartet is made up of themes that derive from these two simple chords – used both singly and together. Think of it as music in a far off, disconnected parallel universe.