Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

String Quartet

Compose Date

:

1915 - 1917

Average_duration

:

27:00

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Béla Bartók's String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Sz. 67, Op. 17 is a four-movement work composed in 1915-1917. It premiered on March 2, 1918, in Budapest, Hungary, performed by the Waldbauer-Kerpely Quartet. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the first violin. The second violin and viola soon join in, creating a rich and complex texture. The movement is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies and irregular rhythms, which are typical of Bartók's style. The second movement, marked Allegro molto capriccioso, is a scherzo-like piece that is full of energy and vitality. The movement is characterized by its use of pizzicato and glissando effects, which create a playful and whimsical atmosphere. The third movement, marked Lento, is a slow and mournful piece that is full of pathos. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a fast and frenetic piece that is full of rhythmic energy. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular meters, which create a sense of urgency and excitement. Overall, Bartók's String Quartet No. 2 is a masterpiece of 20th-century chamber music. It is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies, irregular rhythms, and dissonant harmonies, which are all hallmarks of Bartók's unique style. The work is a testament to Bartók's genius as a composer and his ability to create music that is both innovative and deeply emotional.

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