In 1952, I participated in a competition organised by the Laval University to underline its 100th anniversary of the signing of the Royal charter of the universities (1852-1952). I won the first prize in the chamber music category. One of the requirements was the use of Quebec folklore in the composition. Unlike the usual quote being used with an obsolete harmonization, I thought that the best way to incorporate folk melodies would be by the use of humour, even derision in a style close to Stravinski and Bartók. To add to this humour I quote the universally known nursery rhymes Three Blind Mice and Frère Jacques (Brother John), without a nod to biculturalism. The strings are sometimes used as percussions (col legno). The second movement is more lyrical with its intertwining lines and the third reminds the first with its great momentum. The quartet is of cyclic form with the first movement being an Allegro marked Rythmique, followed by an Adagio (Lent) and a closing Rondo (Vif)
François Morel
Access to score:
https://productionsdoz.com/product/303-quatuor-a-cordes-no-1