Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

String Quartet

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

23:08

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Béla Bartók's String Quartet No. 4 in C major, Sz. 91, was composed in 1928 and premiered on March 27, 1929, in Budapest by the Waldbauer-Kerpely Quartet. The quartet is divided into five movements and has a total duration of approximately 22 minutes. The first movement, Allegro, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the first violin, which is then echoed by the other instruments. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of tension and excitement. The second movement, Prestissimo, is a short and frenzied scherzo that features rapid runs and pizzicato passages. The movement is marked by its intense energy and virtuosic playing. The third movement, Non troppo lento, is a slow and melancholic adagio that features a haunting melody played by the first violin. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and expressive phrasing. The fourth movement, Allegretto pizzicato, is a playful and whimsical scherzo that is entirely pizzicato, or plucked, throughout. The movement is marked by its use of playful rhythms and unexpected harmonic shifts. The final movement, Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic finale that features a driving rhythm and virtuosic playing from all four instruments. The movement is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, which create a sense of urgency and excitement. Overall, Bartók's String Quartet No. 4 is a masterful work that showcases the composer's unique style and innovative approach to composition. The quartet is marked by its use of complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and virtuosic playing, which create a sense of tension and excitement throughout.

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