String Quartet No. 4 (Dvořák)
Antonín Dvořák composed String Quartet No. 4 in E minor, B. 19 at some stage in the years 1869 and 1870.[1][2] It was one of three (together with the quartets numbers 2, and 3) which Dvořák later believed he had destroyed after he had disposed of the scores.
Background[edit]
Despite Dvořák's efforts to destroy the work, copies of the individual instrumental parts in his own script were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, allowing its reconstruction.[1] The quartet was printed in 1968 as part of the complete critical edition of Dvořák's works,[3] and subsequently published by Barenreiter/Supraphon in their Urtext edition. It received its first performance by the Prague Quartet, for Deutsche Grammophon, Jan/Feb 1976,[2] and its first public performance in 1990, by the Martinu Quartet, in Prague.[1]
Structure[edit]
The quartet is in one continuous movement, but with three distinct sections.[3]
- Velmi pohyblivé a razné (Assai con moto ed energico)
- Andante religioso
- Allegro con brio (with a reprise of some of the Andante religioso content towards the end, prior to a fast finish)
Related works[edit]
The music of the second section, marked Andante religioso, was later used as the basis for a movement of the String Quintet No. 2 in G major, B. 49, which in turn was arranged for the Nocturne for Strings in B major, Op. 40 (B. 47) (also published in the composer's own arrangements for Violin and Piano, B. 48a and as a Piano Duet, B. 48b).
Notes[edit]
References[edit]
- Burghauser, Jarmil (1977). Notes translated by John Coombs – Dvorak: The String Quartets (429-193-2) (CD Box Set). Antonín Dvořák. Germany: Deutsche Grammophon. 429-197-2, tracks 1-3.
- Herbert and Trufitt, Peter J F and Ian T. Antonin Dvorak complete catalogue of works, (The Dvorak Society occasional publications no. 4), 4th revised edition, 2004. The Dvorak Society for Czech and Slovak Music. p. 16/17. ISBN 0-9532769-4-5.
- Prager Streichquartett, Deutsche Grammophon CD recording of SQ No. 4 429-197-2, Tracks 1-3.
External links[edit]
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