Composer

:

Joseph Martin Kraus

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Average_duration

:

20:18

Joseph Martin Kraus was a Swedish-German composer who lived from 1756 to 1792. He was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn, and his music was highly regarded by his contemporaries. Kraus composed a number of string quartets, including his String Quartet No. 4 in D major, Op. 1/4. Kraus composed his String Quartet No. 4 in D major in 1782. The work was premiered in Stockholm, Sweden, in the same year. The quartet consists of four movements: Allegro, Andante, Menuetto, and Presto. The first movement, Allegro, is in sonata form and begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the first violin. The second theme is more lyrical and is played by the second violin. The development section explores both themes and leads to a recapitulation of the main themes. The second movement, Andante, is a slow and expressive piece in the key of B minor. The first violin plays a mournful melody over a simple accompaniment from the other instruments. The second violin takes over the melody before the first violin returns to play a variation of the theme. The third movement, Menuetto, is a dance in triple meter. The first violin plays a playful melody that is echoed by the other instruments. The trio section features a more lyrical melody played by the second violin. The final movement, Presto, is a fast and lively piece in the key of D major. The first violin plays a virtuosic melody that is passed around the other instruments. The movement features a number of sudden changes in dynamics and tempo, adding to its excitement and energy. Kraus's String Quartet No. 4 in D major is a fine example of his skill as a composer. The work is characterized by its lively and energetic themes, expressive melodies, and skillful use of harmony and counterpoint. It is a testament to Kraus's talent and his contribution to the development of the string quartet genre.

More....