The Adagio for String Quintet was composed in August 2014 by John Hayhurst, a violist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1984.

The Adagio was most likely inspired by the warmth of Berg, the brevity of Webern and the structural integrity of both.

The piece is highly organized with a six-note theme stated in turn by all instruments. The viola begins the theme and continues with a descending chromatic line, which connects to the final entrance in the bass. Subsequently, chromatic tension is created by theme manipulation in retrograde with the chromatic line ascending, bringing the Adagio to a resolution. 

When writing the Adagio on two late summer nights in August of 2014, Hayhurst remembers being focused on the structure and being delighted with its tight form. Upon recently revisiting the Adagio and not entirely remembering the details of the composition’s form, he noticed a deep sadness in the music. Hayhurst was moved to write lyrics and a choral arrangement to express that emotion. And now, the lyrics, in a six-beat pattern like the theme, explain the music well.

My friend, it’s time to go

My friend, it must be so.

I’ve had some lovely times,

times of laughter, times of tears.

I hear the angel’s chimes.

My God please set me free.

I must go in,

for the fog is rising. 1

I want.... nothing but death. 2

It's time. I love you all. 3

last words

1. Emily Dickinson

2. Jane Austen

3. Michael Landon