Prolific musician and composer Bryce Dessner is well-known for both his solo compositions and his work with the band The National. He has a distinct viewpoint on the composition process, especially when it comes to writing music for string quartets and other classical ensembles.

When writing for these kinds of groups, Dessner describes how he painstakingly writes out every note in a score. The improvisational or "by ear" techniques employed in other musical expressions stand in stark contrast to this. His method ensures that actors have clear instructions to follow because every detail is meticulously planned and documented on paper.

Writing a string quartet score is similar to creating a detailed landscape painting. Just as every note and rhythm must be carefully positioned in a musical composition, every stroke and color selection must be purposeful and well-considered. For classical ensembles, this level of detail is essential because the music primarily depends on the interplay of various instruments that all follow the same pattern.

In addition to demonstrating his respect for conventional techniques, Bryce Dessner's emphasis on notation allows him to express his own distinct style within this context. His work frequently reflects a profound understanding of both aspects of musical creation, bridging the gap between experimental and classical music.