First performed by
Olga Kradenova-Ahmadova, Violin I
Olga Patramanskaya, Violin II
Jacqueline Kilzer, Viola
Rob Bradshaw, Violoncello

Program note:

Inspired by Eastern philosophies, There Is a Realm follows four souls trying to achieve Moksha (the liberation of their souls from the cycle of reincarnation known as samsara). Each instrument represents a soul in a different realm of this struggle. The second violin is the first to be featured. It represents the Naraka Realm (Woeful State) which is also known as the “hell realm.” Next to be featured is the violoncello who represents the Human Realm, which is seen to have great potential for good, but also great potential for materialism. The first violin symbolizes the Deva Realm, which is that of bliss. Finally, the unadorned viola finally achieves Moksha with a simple and modest melody. The rest of the quartet joins together in a Bach-like chorale that is subtly polluted with insincerity, which plunges the violins and violoncello back into the cycle.