'Aromatic' Fantasy for String Quartet in F-sharp by Sam Colcheedas

Written in 2019 by Sam Colcheedas and premiered by the Invictus Quartet on November 2nd at Tempo Rubato.

'....particular scents re-ignite fond and distant memories. Whilst they may linger only momentarily, they bathe us in a soothing and euphoric nostalgia.'

"In the presence of particular scents and aromas, seemingly distant and fond memories can come flooding back into consciousness. These memories prior to then would have been stored deep inside the unconscious, and one thing that is possible to revive them is
the replicated scent present during the memory's formation. The feeling that is experienced during these moments of re-ignition can best be described as euphoric nostalgia. It is not just a recollection of a memory, it is the re-living of it to such replication that one is submerged in a momentary time capsule. Whether it be a childhood memory,
a past romance or a physical place and time, these aromatic evocations are indeed powerful and should be warmly embraced.
This piece explores the discovery of such aromas and how we involuntarily surrender to their nostalgic retellings of the past. It is in a single movement and the main 'dolce' theme that is announced in the opening by the first violin, represents a particular memory
that is explored and developed throughout the work. It contains a great amount of silence, representing both the natural rhythm of the breath and also the opportunity for reminiscence.
Subsequent and less central memories are also heard to interject intermittently, however our main theme and harmonies constantly linger in a vivid and nostalgic hue."