October Concert
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
String Quartet No 4, Op 22
I Fugato: Sehr langsame Viertel II Schnelle Achtel. Sehr energisch III Ruhige Viertel. Stets fliessend IV Massig schnelle Viertel V Rondo. Gemächlich und mit Grazie
While his early compositions were expressionist in character, German composer Paul Hindemith later turned to neo-classicism while using expanded harmonies and modern influences including jazz. As a performer, he mastered most instruments, especially the violin and viola.
This quartet comes from the transition period and was composed in 1921 for his own ensemble, The Amar Quartet. It was premiered on the 4th November 1922 and achieved 127 performances in its first year. The quartet was known as No 3 until the previously unknown first Quartet in C major, Op 2 (1915) was published in 1994.
In five short movements with an arch-like structure, some of the work's notable features are the slow fugato of the first movement, the furious scherzo, and the gently rhythmic slow movement. The last two movements have baroque influences. The first and second movements merge, as do the fourth and fifth.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet No 3 in D major, Op 18, No 3
I Allegro II Andante con moto III Allegro IV Presto
This quartet was one of six written between 1798 and 1800, published in 1801.While numbered this third, it was actually the first quartet he composed. Understandably the form and style of the piece largely conforms to that established by Haydn and Mozart, with Haydn still around and composing at this time.
It is always tempting with great composers to see fingerprints of their later and greater works in their early pieces, perhaps sometimes finding more than is there. Certainly the first movement includes melodic and harmonic intervals characteristic of the later Beethoven, along with an individual freshness and power. The second movement sails serenely by while the third movement scherzo has a briskness and energy similar to that in the first symphony. The final presto heads off in several directions in an experimental way.
|
