String Quartet no. 1 has strong roots in neo-Romanticism, while pushing the limits of polytonality and extended harmonies. This four movement work displays the expressive quality and aggressive side of the string instruments in the ensemble. The composition is in f minor and uses a harmonic progression of i-vii-V-i, which also extends to the tonal areas of the 4 movements. Although some traditional harmonic elements are used, tonality is pushed to its limits through the use of 2 or more harmonies played simultaneously. This is a highly rhythmic string quartet based off the composer's percussion background. Duration: 19 minutes