This Quintet is scored for 2 violins, viola, 'cello & double bass and was composed over a three-day period 24/5/6 June 2011. It could equally well be performed by a full string orchestra. The subtitle translates as "poor amid great riches", and is a quotation from the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65 BC - 8 BC). As well as invoking the evil that is poverty in our horribly unequal world, I am describing my own sensuous poverty. For I compose music like this work that no-one plays. There are so many fabulous performers and ensembles, but access to their audio riches seems to be entirely denied. I feel as though I am deaf in a world of much sound, or "poor amid great riches".
The version for String Orchestra can be listened to by clicking here