Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

String Quartet

Compose Date

:

1944

Average_duration

:

35:22

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 68 was composed in 1944 during World War II. It was premiered on November 14, 1944, by the Beethoven Quartet in Moscow. The quartet consists of four movements and has a duration of approximately 35 minutes. The first movement, Moderato, begins with a lyrical melody played by the first violin, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The movement is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second theme is more upbeat and playful, but the overall mood of the movement remains somber. The second movement, Allegro, is a scherzo that is marked by its frenetic energy and rhythmic complexity. The movement is built around a driving ostinato rhythm that is passed between the instruments. The trio section provides a brief respite from the intensity of the scherzo, but the movement ends with a return to the frenzied energy of the opening. The third movement, Recitative and Romance, is marked by its use of extended techniques, such as sul ponticello (playing near the bridge) and col legno (playing with the wood of the bow). The movement begins with a recitative section that features a solo cello playing a mournful melody. The romance section that follows is more lyrical and features a duet between the first violin and cello. The final movement, Theme with Variations, is based on a simple, folk-like melody that is introduced by the cello. The variations that follow explore different moods and textures, ranging from playful to mournful. The movement ends with a return to the original theme, which is played in a more subdued manner than at the beginning of the movement. Overall, Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 2 is characterized by its use of dissonance, chromaticism, and extended techniques. The quartet reflects the somber mood of the wartime period in which it was composed, but also contains moments of playfulness and lyricism.

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