Pavel Zemek Novák: Quartet – Unisono No. 2
PAVEL ZEMEK (1957, real name Pavel Novák) has been probing the possibilities of unison for years in compositions ranging from small-scale pieces for small ensembles to full-blown orchestral works. The results are unobtrusively elegant, but often very complex underneath the surface, and full of movement and energy. Zemek’s compositions are characterised (perhaps unexpectedly, given his method) by a full sound and, above all, a particular timbre: the reduction to unison or octave intervals brings out the pure sound of the instruments, so to speak, “undistorted” by harmony. Despite the fact that the intellectual background of Zemek’s compositions is dominated by biblical themes, his music is far removed from kitschy exploitation of traditionalist religion or “the spiritual”. Zemek studied music at Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts (JAMU) in Brno and received a scholarship to study with George Benjamin in London and Gérard Grisey in Paris. Once an oboist in Janáček Theatre orchestra, he is now a professor of composition at Brno Conservatoire.
My three quartets for clarinet, violin, viola, and violoncello are dedicated to the memory of Jan Palach, Jan Zajíc, and Evžen Plocek. Kvartet – Unisono č. 2 (Quartet – Unisono No. 2, 2008), provides the lyrical middle section of the cycle. Comprising four miniature movements, it keeps to soft dynamics for its entirety and only utilizes microintervals as an embellishment of its classical melody with noticeably shifting time. As all instruments contribute equally to the unison, the piece places great demands on intonation, tuning, and precise synchronization. The score strives for unity of form and content, for emphasizing the unity of the ensemble’s members. It is a silent commemoration of one of the tragic landmarks of the past century, an event that continues to resonate to this day.
