Unsquare Quartet

During the 2008–2009 academic year, Michel Lysight was composer-in-residence at the Darius Milhaud Conservatory in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. It was in this context that Unsquare Quartet (2008) was composed. Writing for guitar quartet presents unique challenges, but this work skillfully combines the distinctive colors of the ensemble with the composer’s personal and characteristic language.

Formally, the piece is conceived as a single movement, yet articulated in several uninterrupted sections, each with its own distinct character. Two of these sections are especially rhythmic, while the others feature rich, melodic, and expressive counterpoint. The entire work is marked by a certain minimalism and frequent use of ostinato writing.