String Quartet No. 1, Op. 58 (Paperback)

String Quartet no. 1 has strong roots in neo-Romanticism, while pushing the limits of polytonality and extended harmonies. This four movement work displays the expressive quality and aggressive side of the string instruments in the ensemble. The composition is in f minor and uses a harmonic progression of i-vii-V-i, which also extends to the tonal areas of the 4 movements. Although some traditional harmonic elements are used, tonality is pushed to its limits through the use of 2 or more harmonies played simultaneously. This is a highly rhythmic string quartet based off the composer's percussion background. Duration: 19 minutes

Dr. Gregory Jackson is a well-recognized percussionist, composer, educator, and author. He is a multi-faceted percussion specialist in many areas. Dr. Jackson has published several books sold worldwide including Jackson's Rudiment Dictionary, The Synergy Method for Marimba, Etudes Op. 48, The Well Tempered Marimbist Op. 46, Legendary Op. 44 Congas Full Circle for world percussion, Phenom: The Excellence of Execution for snare drum, and the percussion method book The Synergy Method for Drumming Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. He also has several recordings, including his debut CD is for solo marimba, Darkest Hour, two instructional percussion DVDs titled Congas Decoded and Elements of Synergy, and two percussion CDs, Osmosis and Conga Fantasy. Top authorities in percussion have proclaimed that Jackson's works are filling a void in the percussion community that is often not addressed. Dr. Jackson performs regularly across the country on a regular basis as well as presenting percussion masterclasses. In the Percussive Arts Society International Collegiate Snare Competition, he placed in the top 10 four consecutive years and top 4 two years. As an educator, Greg served as a consultant to three Drum Corps International Individuals Champions in 2004, 2005, and 2007 as well as the 2006 Percussive Arts Society International Competition Collegiate Champion. Jackson is planning an upcoming trip to Japan for performances and extensive research on Japanese Taiko traditions. Jackson proudly endorses Remo Inc., Pearl Percussion, and Pro-mark sticks and mallets.