Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello

Ella Milch-Sheriff's Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola and Cello is a 14-minute work, consisting of three movements (fast – slow – fast) and a prologue for solo clarinet. The first movement sounds like a chase. It is restless, searching for something that is not found. The second movement is based on a Jewish Kaddish prayer. It is entitled "In Memoriam" and is dedicated to her late husband, the composer Noam Sheriff. The third movement begins resolutely and develops some Jazz elements. It recalls the restless character of the first movement, but in a more playful way. Towards the end, the solo clarinet returns as a reminder of the beginning and the piece ends with a strong unison of all instruments.

The work was commissioned by Intonations – Festival for Chamber Music. The premiere took place on 6 April 2022 at the Jewish Museum Berlin with Miri Saadon-Shani (clarinet), Mohamed Hiber (violin), Sara Ferrandez (viola) and Tim Park (cello).

The score and parts (EP 14489) are available for sale as part of the Peters Contemporary Chamber Series.