Composer

:

Peter Ruzicka

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

7:52

Peter Ruzicka's String Quartet No. 2 "...fragment..." was composed in 1990 and premiered on October 28, 1990, in Munich, Germany. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow), begins with a series of soft, sustained chords played by the quartet. These chords gradually build in intensity, with the addition of pizzicato and tremolo effects, before subsiding back into a quiet, contemplative mood. The movement is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and sul ponticello (playing near the bridge of the instrument), which create a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. The second movement, marked "Schnell" (fast), is a frenetic, virtuosic tour-de-force for the quartet. The movement is built around a series of rapidly repeating motifs, which are passed between the instruments in a dizzying display of technical prowess. The music is highly rhythmic, with frequent changes in meter and tempo, and is characterized by its driving energy and intensity. The final movement, marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow), returns to the contemplative mood of the first movement. The music is sparse and delicate, with long, sustained notes and gentle, flowing melodies. The movement is characterized by its use of silence and space, with long pauses between phrases creating a sense of stillness and introspection. Overall, Ruzicka's String Quartet No. 2 "...fragment..." is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work, characterized by its use of extended techniques, rhythmic complexity, and intense emotional contrasts. The piece is a testament to the power and versatility of the string quartet as a medium for contemporary classical music.

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