Tattooed in Snow (2015)

for string quartet.
Duration: ca 17 mins


About the Work

Tattooed in Snow explores the temporary and fragile crystallization in nature and in space. The four players of the quartet form the four pillars of a musical space, and as a chant begins to move among theme, it layers, repeats and takes shape in the manner of a sculpture in sand or snow. Inspired by these delicate art forms as well as by chant and poetry, and building on my work with both visual artists and spoken-word artists, this piece provides a nuanced multilayered narrative trajectory.

Our final days sunk
from the sky to the salty main.
That moment will never return which once has been





First Performance:
February 8th, 2015 by the Shanghai Quartet
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair NJ
Tattooed in Snow was commissioned by PEAK Performances for the Shanghai Quartet.

Tattooed in Snow explores the temporary and fragile crystallization in nature and in space. The four players of the quartet form the four pillars of a musical space, and as a chant begins to move among theme, it layers, repeats and takes shape in the manner of a sculpture in sand or snow. Inspired by these delicate art forms as well as by chant and poetry, and building on my work with both visual artists and spoken-word artists, this piece provides a nuanced multilayered narrative trajectory.

Our final days sunk
from the sky to the salty main.
That moment will never return which once has been





First Performance:
February 8th, 2015 by the Shanghai Quartet
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair NJ
Tattooed in Snow was commissioned by PEAK Performances for the Shanghai Quartet.