All these pieces are their composer's first string quartets. The quartet gets a lot of energy and collaborative flexibility from the composers but also some beginner's mistakes. They think that because the instruments are tuned in fifths, they should write in fifths. But it's a really horrible idea because playing fifths on the instruments, once you get past first position, is really hard to do. It tends to not be in tune.
Composers are usually pretty open to changing things.
The Colorado's approach to new music is an enviable one. An established, well-regarded ensemble known for playing new works, presenters come to the quartet members with commissions in hand. We're more interested in rehearsing and practicing than in doing paperwork. This relationship started with the quartet more involved in the process, going through tapes and selecting composers. Now the members have established long-term relationships with, among others, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society , to play a new piece on its series every other year.