Colliding Bubbles (surface tension and release) - 2022/2023


Colliding Bubbles (surface tension and release) is a composition for string quartet and harmonica quartet, meaning that the members of Quatuor Bozzini are playing harmonica and a stringed instrument simultaneously. Together, the eight instruments together play a subtle game of timbral and harmonic attraction and repulsion; from surface tension to gentle ecstasy.


Quatuor Bozzini

Alissa Cheung, violin I + harmonica (G)

Clemens Merkel, violin II + harmonica (G)

Stéphanie Bozzini, viola + harmonica (C)

Isabelle Bozzini, cello + harmonica (C)


"The title refers to different kinds of bubbly matter which are set to collide within the composition, leading to different ruptures and possible release of surface tension.
The collision of bubbles unfolds partly in relation to sound, where small fluctuations appear in the encounters between harmonicas and string instruments and partly in relation to a more performative or conceptual bubble where instruments representing different systems, or bubbles, will collide; the very celebrated instruments within the classical string quartet and the perhaps more prosaic harmonica." (Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard)


Colliding Bubbles was released by Important Records (March 1st 2024) and the release was made possible with generous support from Augustinus Fonden, The Danish Arts Foundation, The Danish Conductors Association, The Danish Composers’ Society & Conseil des arts lettres du Québec.


Colliding Bubbles (surface tension and release) has been performed (or will be performed) by Quatuor Bozzini in the following places:


Klubkatarakt, Kampnagel, Hamburg, Germany, Jan 18th 2023

Brorsons Kirke, Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan 22th, 2023

Espace orange – Édifice Wilder – Espace danse, Montréal, Québec, Jan 29th, 2023

Gaudeamus Festival 2023, Cloud Nine – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands, Spetember 9th 2023

AngelicA 34 Festival, Bologna, Italy, May 2nd 2024