Composer

:

George Rochberg

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1972

Average_duration

:

45:24

George Rochberg's String Quartet No. 3 is a significant work in the composer's oeuvre, marking a turning point in his compositional style. The piece was composed in 1972 and premiered on March 22, 1973, by the Concord String Quartet at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The quartet is comprised of four movements, each with its own distinct character and style. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a somber and introspective piece that features a haunting melody played by the first violin. The second movement, "Allegro," is a lively and energetic scherzo that showcases the quartet's virtuosic abilities. The third movement, "Adagio," is a slow and mournful piece that features a beautiful and expressive melody played by the cello. The final movement, "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery and intense piece that brings the quartet to a thrilling conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of Rochberg's String Quartet No. 3 is its use of quotation and allusion. Throughout the piece, Rochberg incorporates fragments of music from other composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and Schoenberg. These quotations are often juxtaposed with Rochberg's own original material, creating a complex and multi-layered musical texture. Another important aspect of the quartet is its use of tonality. Rochberg was known for his experimentation with tonality, and in this piece, he employs a technique known as "progressive tonality." This involves gradually shifting the tonal center of the music over the course of the piece, creating a sense of tension and instability that is eventually resolved in the final movement. Overall, George Rochberg's String Quartet No. 3 is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases the composer's unique style and innovative approach to composition. Its use of quotation and allusion, combined with its exploration of tonality, make it a significant contribution to the string quartet repertoire.

More....