for String Quartet, Duration 4:37
“Old Country Jig” is a fast-paced jig that is reminiscent of traditional Irish countryside dances. I was inspired by Gustav Holst’s “St. Paul’s Suite” when composing this work. The main theme is repeated in many different scales and keys, and a lyrical countermelody is introduced intermittently. A pizzicato section in the middle is slower, remembering the idyllic countryside. A variation of the theme returns in 3/4 rather than 9/8, and a short chorale section quotes the melody once again. The piece ends with a repetition of the initial theme in different modalities culminating in a fast-paced coda. The piece was written as a final project assignment for a beginner music composition seminar taught by Christopher Ozley at the University of Texas at Austin. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunities to develop my skills as a composer.