Programme Note Tessares (Greek for "four") is a virtuoso set of four variations on four separate notational series (one devoted to each instrument). Within each variation, I have tried to exploit what, in my view, is the inherent quality of each of the four instruments. Structurally, Tessares consists of an Introduction followed by four variations (each devoted to a different instrument and notational series) and a Coda. Immediately preceding each variation, the individual notational series used in that variation is stated in a sustained chordal passage (the first three quiet, the last, dramatic). Each variation ends with a Cadenza. In the Introduction, three of the four notational series are juxtaposed on one another, alternating between dramatic, quiet, and dramatic, ending with a free-form passage featuring percussion. Variation I (Violin) exploits the violin techniques of double stops, arpeggio and tremolo as well as the instrument's general virtuosic nature. Variation II (Clarinet) exploits the lyrical and melancholy qualities of the clarinet in both the extreme lower and upper range. Variation III (Contrabass) exploits the singing quality of the contrabass, as well as the rhythmic, semi-jazz-like nature (in the candenza, accompanied by the cymbal). Variation IV (Percussion) exploits the melodic qualities of the Xylophone and Vibraphone. The Coda combines all four notational series in a final statement parallel to the Introduction.