Composer

:

Luigi Boccherini

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1804

Average_duration

:

6:30

Luigi Boccherini's String Quartet in D major, G. 249, Op. 64/2, also known as the "Fandango" quartet, was composed in 1798. It premiered in Paris in the same year and was published in 1799. The quartet consists of five movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The first movement, marked 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 cello. The development section explores both themes and leads to a recapitulation of the opening material. The second movement, marked Adagio non troppo, is a beautiful and expressive slow movement. The first violin plays a long and lyrical melody while the other instruments provide a delicate accompaniment. The third movement, marked Minuetto, is a dance-like movement in triple meter. The trio section features a playful dialogue between the first violin and cello. The fourth movement, marked Rondo, is a lively and joyful movement. The main theme is played by the first violin and is followed by a series of variations. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the main theme. The fifth and final movement, marked Fandango, is the most famous and distinctive movement of the quartet. It is a lively and rhythmic dance that features a solo guitar part. The guitar part was not written by Boccherini but was added later, possibly by the guitarist who premiered the quartet. The movement is characterized by its Spanish flavor and virtuosic guitar part. Overall, Boccherini's String Quartet in D major, G. 249, Op. 64/2, is a delightful and charming work that showcases the composer's skill in writing for the string quartet. The "Fandango" quartet is particularly notable for its use of the guitar and its Spanish influences, which set it apart from other string quartets of the time.

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