Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

4:58

Alan Hovhaness' String Quartet No. 2, Op. 147, was composed in 1975 and premiered on May 9, 1976, by the New York String Quartet. The quartet consists of four movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked "Andante espressivo," begins with a lyrical melody played by the first violin, which is then echoed by the other instruments. The movement features a variety of textures, with moments of dense counterpoint and others of sparse, delicate writing. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played softly and with great sensitivity. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic scherzo. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythms and playful melodies, which are passed between the instruments. The middle section of the movement features a slower, more contemplative melody, which provides a contrast to the frenetic energy of the opening and closing sections. The third movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and mournful elegy. The movement is characterized by its long, sustained melodies and rich harmonies. The quartet plays with great sensitivity and expressiveness, creating a sense of profound sadness and loss. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery and virtuosic finale. The movement is characterized by its rapid, driving rhythms and complex, contrapuntal writing. The quartet plays with great energy and intensity, bringing the work to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Hovhaness' String Quartet No. 2, Op. 147, is a deeply expressive and emotionally charged work. The quartet's writing is characterized by its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and complex textures, and the quartet plays with great sensitivity and virtuosity throughout. The work is a testament to Hovhaness' skill as a composer and his ability to create music of great beauty and depth.

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