While Western polyphonic music achieved its pinnacle in the fugue, rhythmic polyphony of great complexity evolved in Cuba. It is particularly the 'batá' (drumming music originating in the Afro-Cuban 'Santería' cult), the 'rumba' and the 'son' (ancestor of the famous 'salsa') which have provided me with my inspiration. I employ the quartet in the manner of a drumming ensemble and each individual string corresponds to the sound of a particular drum. The quartet plays on scordatura open strings employing a rich palette of percussive playing techniques recreating the different types of drumming attacks. Thierry Pécou