Helen Grime: Into The Faded Air for String Sextet (Full Score): String Ensemble

'Into The Faded Air is cast in four movements although the last three movements are played without a break.

In the first movement, the sextet is divided into twogroups. Thefirst group, consisting of violin, viola and cello plays a sustained melody while the second group (also violin, viola and cello) contributes more jagged and intricate material. The second movement is an extended duetfor twoviolas, accompanied by the other instruments. As the movement progresses, the accompanying instruments become more prominent. The third movement is the only fast movement in the piece, with rapid semiquavers and much useofpizzicato throughout. This leads into a serene chorale where the three upper instruments (two violins and first viola) are set against the second viola and two cellos.'

 - HelenGrime