Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

Apr 1938 - May 1938

Publication Date

:

1959

First Performance

:

May 25, 1958

Average_duration

:

26:59

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's String Quartet No. 5, H. 268, was composed in 1938 and premiered in Paris in 1939. The quartet is comprised of three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme introduced by the first violin. This theme is then passed around the quartet, with each instrument taking turns playing it. The movement also features a contrasting lyrical section, which provides a moment of respite before the energetic opening theme returns. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective piece that showcases Martinu's gift for melody. The movement begins with a hauntingly beautiful theme played by the first violin, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and playful piece that features a number of rhythmic and melodic motifs that are passed around the quartet. The movement is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic writing, which showcases the technical abilities of the performers. Overall, Martinu's String Quartet No. 5 is a masterful work that showcases the composer's unique style and gift for melody. The quartet is characterized by its rhythmic vitality, lyrical beauty, and technical virtuosity, and remains a popular work in the string quartet repertoire.

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