From the composer: Quartetice is a Portuguese-inspired word of my own creation meaning “the process of writing music for four players.”

I. Prelúdio (prelude) is a slow movement of contemplative character. It acts as an introduction to the other movements, but can also be played independently.

II. Gangorra (seesaw) is a dancelike movement based on a northern Brazilian rhythm called baião. Repetitive harmonic and rhythmical patterns give this movement a minimalistic touch.

III. Interlúdio (interlude) carries the same musical characteristics as the Prelúdio. It is slow and contemplative but also independent.

IV. Frevo Barroco (Baroque Frevo) is inspired by the Brazilian street dance Frevo from the state of Pernambuco. It is a physically demanding “binary” type of dance popular during carnival celebrations. Dancers carry colorful umbrellas and their movements resemble those of Russian dancers. Its simple, marcato bass-line pattern made me think of the figured bass of the Baroque period.

The percussion used in these movements is mostly for coloristic purposes and rhythmical accents. The term obbligato et ad libitum percussion means optional and improvised percussion.