String Quartet No. 1: Neo Soul

String Quartet No. 1 is an ode to neo-soul, the genre of music that became popular in the 90’s putting a new spin on what we know as the classic soul sound. Originating in the 50’s, soul combined elements of gospel, R&B, and jazz. Its descendant, neo-soul, sought to create a new sound that was inspired by the past. Popular neo-soul artists include Eryka Badu, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq, among others. The entire premise of String Quartet No. 1 revolves around creating a specific vibe. The title of the first movement, Bop , comes from the saying, “That song is a bop,” implying that it’s a piece with a nice groove. The rhythmic elements that drive this movement evoke a cool vibe with contrasting sections that are more edgy as heard in the sometimes bombastic bass line played by the cellist. The second movement, Feelin’ Some Type of Way, references a saying that expresses an emotion; confusion, frustration, or disagreement, for example. The main theme of this movement was created to be a bit of a chameleon. The flavor of the melody is heard differently depending on the elements that surround it. In the beginning, the overall impact is more melancholic, but as the movement progresses, we hear happiness, anger, and isolation. The title Please Don’t Kill My Vibe, is a play on an original title is B---- Don’t Kill My Vibe by Kendrick Lamar. The source of inspiration for this movement comes from a theoretical aspect of most neo-soul music, the minor 9th chord. In addition, we hear fragments of the melody fromthe second movement, and an entire reiteration of the melodic material from the first. The vibe once again is cool and laid-back allowing for the consonances and dissonances of the minor 9th to resonant throughout.