You get to hear a part of yourself. It's fun to teach the musicians because with any new music, there are stylistic elements that they've never been exposed to before. It's fun teaching them how to bring those elements to life. Krause also points out the more unusual elements of the composition. As a composer, I'm a rare bird because my instrument is the guitar.
Most composers traditionally are pianists or string players.
Krause became involved with the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet four years ago when it began performing his quartets in concert. In 1995, the ensemble group asked him if he would write a piece for four guitars and an orchestra, and a collaboration was spawned between composer and performers that will culminate in tonight's world premiere. Having the opportunity to work with a composer like Krause was one that founding member of the quartet Alan Johnston couldn't pass up. As a former guitarist, he really knows how to bring out the best quality of sound in a guitar. There's even a hint of folk rock, which reveals Krause's own particular taste and upbringing.