Composer

:

George Walker

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1968

First Performance

:

Sep 1968

Average_duration

:

20:18

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

George Walker's String Quartet No. 2 is a four-movement work composed in 1946. It premiered on May 23, 1946, at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, with the composer himself playing the viola. The quartet is a significant work in the composer's oeuvre, as it was the first piece he composed after returning from serving in World War II. The first movement, marked Allegro, is characterized by its driving rhythms and angular melodies. The opening theme is introduced by the first violin and is then taken up by the other instruments in turn. The movement is marked by frequent changes in tempo and mood, with moments of intense energy alternating with more lyrical passages. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slow and introspective piece. The opening theme is played by the cello and is then taken up by the other instruments in turn. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies, with the instruments often playing in close harmony. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and playful piece. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and playful melodies. The instruments often play in close harmony, with the violins frequently playing in unison. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic piece. The movement is characterized by its use of driving rhythms and virtuosic passages for all four instruments. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before coming to a sudden and unexpected end. Overall, George Walker's String Quartet No. 2 is a significant work in the composer's oeuvre. It is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and driving rhythms. The quartet is a testament to the composer's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging.

More....