Rolf Hind: The Flower in the Next Corner - A Contemporary Work for String Quartet and Rin

Product Information

• UPC/Item Number: RICL00011700
• ISMN: 9790570029457 / 979-0570029457
• Product Type: Musical Score (Score and Parts)
• Genre: Contemporary Classical Music
• Instrumentation: String Quartet and Rin
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3
• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricordi

Overview

Rolf Hind’s The Flower in the Next Corner is an evocative and imaginative work for string quartet and rin—a traditional Japanese standing bell whose ethereal resonance adds an arresting and unexpected dimension to the ensemble's sound world. In this contemporary chamber composition, Hind masterfully weaves together Eastern and Western sonic traditions, inviting performers and audiences alike into a soundscape that is both delicate and deeply contemplative. At the heart of the work is a sensitive exploration of timbre, resonance, and space. The string quartet—already a medium known for its expressive intimacy and versatility—interacts intricately with the rin, whose bell-like tone serves both as a meditative anchor and a shimmering halo that colors the quartet’s gestures. Rather than functioning as a novelty or effect, the rin is fully integrated into the texture, offering a layer of spiritual stillness that contrasts and complements the warmth of the strings.

The title, The Flower in the Next Corner, hints at a sense of mystery, distance, and quiet beauty—a poetic image that resonates with the piece’s restrained but emotionally charged atmosphere. Hind’s writing draws on extended techniques, subtle dynamics, and moments of suspended time, encouraging performers to engage with the space between the notes, and with the emotional undercurrents running just beneath the surface. Technically, the piece is accessible to intermediate to advanced players, with the primary challenges lying in the ensemble’s sensitivity to balance, timing, and coloration. Its success in performance depends not on virtuosic display, but on attentive listening and refined ensemble cohesion, making it especially suitable for chamber groups interested in exploring contemporary textures and non-Western influences. Perfect for contemporary chamber music concerts, interdisciplinary performances, or reflective programming, The Flower in the Next Corner offers a unique and enriching musical experience—quietly powerful, texturally rich, and resonant with emotional nuance. It is a fine example of Rolf Hind’s gift for creating works that feel both grounded in tradition and open to transcendence.

Product Features

• Format: Score and Parts
• Ensemble Configuration: String Quartet (2 Violins, Viola, Cello) and Rin
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3 (Intermediate)
• Composition Style: Contemporary classical music
• Performance Requirements: Requires expressive interpretation and technical proficiency

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Significance: "The Flower in the Next Corner" highlights Hind's innovative approach to instrumentation, blending traditional string sounds with the distinct timbre of the rin to create a captivating auditory experience.
• Performance Context: This piece is ideal for chamber music concerts, educational settings, and competitions, providing performers with an opportunity to explore the nuances of ensemble playing and the unique sound of the rin.
• Composer Background: Rolf Hind is a distinguished contemporary composer known for his imaginative works that often challenge traditional musical forms and create new artistic expressions.

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a respected international music publishing house dedicated to contemporary classical music.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

#RolfHind #TheFlowerInTheNextCorner #StringQuartet #Rin #ContemporaryClassical #ChamberMusic