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The Four Thoughts - cello quartet

by Frank van Velthoven

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1.
The contemplation of the rarity and preciousness of a human birth 04:01
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2.
The contemplation of impermanence and death 04:51
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3.
The contemplation of Karma, the law of cause and effect 03:24
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4.
The contemplation of suffering 05:40
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about

The Four Thoughts for cello quartet is a composition by Frank van Velthoven

The theme of 'The Four Thoughts' has its origins in an ancient Tibetan Buddhist text in which 4 thoughts are contemplated to make use of this human existence for a spiritual development.

The 4 parts of the piece are inspired by these 'thoughts', respectively 1. The special opportunity that a birth as a human being offers, 2. The transience (of that special opportunity), 3. The law of cause and effect and 4. The disadvantages (suffering) of worldly existence.

An element of classical Indian music is used in the structure of the piece. In Indian music, the tanpura plays a drone tone throughout the piece that the melodies can relate to.

In this quartet 1 note is designated per part that has this function, but this note is not assigned to 1 instrument and it can occur in different octaves. As a final rule, this tone should never be the root of the other melodic movements.

In summary, each of the 4 parts has 1 note that sounds throughout the whole part, but is so interwoven in the 4 voices that it doesn't stand out as a drone.
Due to this construction, the piece has its own character and the spiritual inspiration remains tangible throughout the composition.

This is a live recording by ‘Kwartet CelloWercken Zutphen’, conducted by Jeroen den Herder.

Cellos: Jeroen den Herder, Camelia Ciobanu, Lluïsa Paredes and Sari Šaciri.

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released November 16, 2022

composer: Frank van Velthoven

'Kwartet Cello Wercken Zutphen': Jeroen den Herder, Camelia Ciobanu, Lluïsa Paredes and Sari Šaciri.

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Frank van Velthoven Netherlands

Frank van Velthoven is a Dutch composer, double bass- and sax player. Interested in all music that promotes improvisation, likes to groove as much as to search for spiritual meaning. Heaven & Earth.

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