Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

First Performance

:

Jan 12, 1969

Average_duration

:

64:48

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Antonin Dvorák's String Quartet No. 3 in D major, B. 18, was composed in 1869, when the composer was 28 years old. It was premiered in Prague on January 14, 1870, by the Bohemian Quartet, with Dvorák himself playing the viola. The quartet consists of four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro con brio, is in sonata form and opens with a lively and energetic theme played by the first violin. The second theme is more lyrical and is played by the cello. The development section explores both themes and leads to a recapitulation of the opening material. The second movement, marked Andante con moto, is a lyrical and expressive theme and variations. The theme is introduced by the first violin and is followed by five variations, each exploring different aspects of the melody and featuring different instruments. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a scherzo in D minor. It is characterized by its rhythmic drive and playful melodies. The trio section, in D major, provides a contrast to the scherzo and features a more lyrical melody. The final movement, marked Finale: Allegro, is a lively and energetic rondo. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is followed by several episodes featuring different themes and textures. The movement builds to a thrilling conclusion, with all four instruments playing in unison. Overall, Dvorák's String Quartet No. 3 is a youthful and exuberant work, full of energy and melody. It showcases the composer's skill in writing for the string quartet and foreshadows the many great works he would go on to compose in this genre.

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