The U.S. Visited is a set of five movements for Sting Quartet, each of which depicts a region of the United States. Each Movement uses a different scale and mood, all to reflect the general characteristic of the region. (Also arranged for orchestra.)
1. The North - Industrialism - Repetitious mechanical-sounding motifs; quartal intervals, counterpoint, detached notes; slight variations using key changes, dynamics, tempi; however, depicts monotony and unchanging factory life.
2. The South - Bluesy - Blues Scale to portray a drowsy, relaxed life-style in the hot, humid south. A mood change mid-way through to "swing"; but not too fast: it reverts to the original mood.
3. The East Coast - Intellectualism - fast-paced challenging rhythmic, meter changing, tone row that portrays a fast life-style of commuters along the East Coast. A reprieve occurs to a more calming nature, but reverts to the business as usual.
4. The Great Plains - Country Festival - playful; open fifths, rhythmic, dance-like, foot- stomping music like a "Saturday night barn dance!" It becomes more mellow-- perhaps during a "picnic-basket auction", or choosing a partner for the next dance, but we dont sit still long!
5. The West Coast - Highway 101 - fast-paced, but light in character; highway with cars speeding, impatient, but always good-natured. A more traditional scale; rhythmic, motifs that represent car horns, and erratic driving. Watch the ending! Like the drivers, it is full of surprises! Wait for the "last word!"
NOTE: RECORDINGS -- The recording is for 4. The Great Plains - Country Festival. Recordings of the other movements are available at no charge from the composer.