From Four Papers - III. (Passacaglia) by jasonmcchristian published on 2015-07-30T22:09:18Z From Four Papers for String Quartet This work consists of four movements, each “inspired” by a prolific scientist. The scientists I chose, Stephen Jay Gould, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charles Darwin, and Carl Sagan, are unique in their ability to convey the wonders of science to the general public and have had a profound effect on my own appreciation of science. I have chosen fragments from each of these “science ambassador’s” writings, hoping to capture, in just a few words, the general attitude of the given movement. III. (Passacaglia) "...by short and sure, though slow steps..." - Charles Darwin While reading this quote from Darwin’s "Origin of the Species" I noticed the similarities between the process of evolution and the musical form known as the Passacaglia. A theme usually consisting of 8 bars, is repeated throughout a work, though can be varied to a seemingly unrecognizable state, yet is always present. This movement begins with the theme played in pizzicato by the cello, though interrupted once by a forcefully loud trill. This theme is carried through a series of variations often times broken up and passed between the different players. Genre string quartet
