Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1885 - 1886

Publication Date

:

1887

First Performance

:

Jan 22, 1887

Average_duration

:

34:09

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Gabriel Fauré's Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor, Op. 45, was composed between 1885 and 1886. It premiered on February 22, 1887, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris, with Fauré himself on the piano, accompanied by violinist Eugène Ysaÿe, violist Louis Armingaud, and cellist Jules Delsart. The quartet is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro molto moderato, begins with a melancholic and introspective theme in the piano, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement is characterized by its fluidity and lyricism, with the piano and strings engaging in a dialogue that is at times playful and at times contemplative. The second movement, marked Allegro molto, is a scherzo that is full of energy and vitality. The piano and strings engage in a lively and intricate dance, with the piano taking on a more prominent role in the middle section of the movement. The third movement, marked Adagio non troppo, is the emotional heart of the quartet. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the cello, which is then taken up by the violin and viola. The piano provides a delicate and understated accompaniment, allowing the strings to take center stage. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and introspective coda. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and exuberant finale that brings the quartet to a thrilling conclusion. The piano and strings engage in a playful and virtuosic dialogue, with each instrument taking turns to shine. Overall, Fauré's Piano Quartet No. 2 is characterized by its fluidity, lyricism, and emotional depth. It is a work of great beauty and subtlety, showcasing Fauré's mastery of chamber music composition.

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