Three movements of beautiful polymodal writing, with rich counterpoint and soaring melodies. The opening movement has a dance-like theme, yet with dark overtones. The central slow movement has a haunting tune played in turn by the first violin, viola and cello. The final movement is fast and jolly. Throughout the piece, the four instruments are in conversation, passing thematic material between them, with exciting rhythmic interplay. Lasting about 17', Quartet In Conversation is a contemporary work, respecting the legacy of the great quartets of Beethoven, Ravel, Bartok, Shostakovich and John Adams. There's more at www.dominicmcgonigal.com