James Matheson’s QUARTET for Soprano Saxophone and Strings is inspired by the composer’s exploration of scoring for three string instruments that are roughly homogenous, and a wind instrument with totally different character. The quartet begins with declamatory unison with various instruments gradually splintering off and generating both a sense of harmony and more intricate textures. The rest of the work pays homage both to the ensemble’s Baroque-like character and the expanded expressive potential of these instruments in a modern context, exploring a variety of ideas and expressive modes that highlight the uniqueness of this strange, but also strangely beautiful, combination.