The Third String Quartet by American composer Elliott Carter was completed in 1971.
The two duos play in their own overlapping movements: distinct tempos, articulation, and material, neither coinciding with the other.
[1] The duos rarely synchronize and frequently clash in complex polyrhythms and dissonances.
Each duo uses a distinct interval class, dynamic range, phrasing, and bowing techniques per movement.
The movements are:[2] Duo I: Duo II: Carter intended to achieve the effect of two distinct ensemble groups playing two pieces at once, clashing in sound.