Abstract
Spektral Quartet, an ensemble-in-residence at the University of Chicago, has devised an alternative to routine ringtones enabling cellphone users to carry around new music in their pocket. In partnering with the 40 composers, the quartet creates, records and distributes tiny pieces of contemporary string quartet music that’s tailor-made for iPhones, Androids and other handheld communication devices. Kirk and the other composers submitted pieces lasting between three and 30 seconds in a wide range of compositional styles.
The Mobile Miniatures project is part of the quartet’s mission to provide living composers with new platforms for their music. The quartet will rehearse the submitted pieces before recording and mixing them in late January and early February. On March 29, the Spektral Quartet plans a release party at Constellation, a music venue on Chicago’s northwest side.