Ailbhe McDonagh: Quartet No.2 The Lore Quartet

Ailbhe McDonagh [1982]
String Quartet No. 2, The Lore Quartet [2023]
Commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation with funds from the Arts Council. First performed by the Ficino Quartet December 2023
This performance at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, 9th December 2023
Sheet music for this quartet is available here: www.ailbhemcdo...
Irish composer Ailbhe McDonagh’s String Quartet No. 2, "The Lore Quartet," is a compelling
journey through some of Ireland's most treasured myths and legends. This piece was
commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation of Ireland and funded by the Arts
Council of Ireland. It is a work in three movements - each depicting a different aspect of Irish
folklore.
i. Dolmen
The word "dolmen" evokes images of ancient burial tombs with their grand megalithic stones
standing as a testament to the ages. These historic structures are scattered across the Irish
landscape, holding within them the stories and secrets of a time long past. McDonagh's
"Dolmen" begins with four chords signifying a Dolmen with four magnificent stones, echoing
the whispers of ancient spirits. Throughout this movement, there is a beautiful interplay between
the ethereal and the grounded, mirroring the dichotomy between the earthly stones and the
eternal souls they shelter.
ii. Fairies
Ireland’s lore brims with tales of fairies - magical creatures that embody the whims and
mysteries of the natural world. In "Fairies," McDonagh paints a vivid picture of these enigmatic
beings. Beginning with delicate harmonics, the music soon blossoms into vibrant, playful
melodies. The interweaving lines of the violins capture the capricious nature of these
mythological entities, dancing one moment and disappearing the next. In the midst of this
frolicsome music, however, there are moments of melancholy reflection, perhaps a nod to the
darker aspects of fairy lore.
iii. Púca
The Púca is a complex figure in Irish mythology, a shapeshifter known to both aid and hinder
humans in their endeavors. McDonagh's final movement is a fitting homage to this creature of
duality. Dramatic shifts in dynamics and harmonies keep listeners on their toes, just as the
unpredictable Púca might. One can almost visualise the Púca's transformation through the
shifting moods and textures of the music - sometimes helpful and harmonious, at other times
disruptive and discordant. McDonagh imagines the Púca in the shape of a horse which can be
heard rhythmically throughout this movement. Through her use of melodic development,
harmonization, and textural contrast, McDonagh brings these ancient stories to life, ensuring that
they continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.
For more contemporary Irish string quartets, head to nsqf.ie/icsqa
Ailbhe McDonagh is an established composer with over 250 published works and commissions to her name. Her debut orchestral work 'Irish Isles Suite' was recorded and released by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in 2023. Her much-anticipated violin concerto the 'Irish Four Seasons' is due to be released in 2024. Some other notable commissions include her String Quartet No.1 for the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival, USA, an eight-hand piano work for the opening of the Whyte Recital Hall at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin, a piano trio for the Via Columbani, a piano duet for the Dublin International Chamber Music Festival, and a solo cello suite supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. ailbhemcdonagh.com