Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

30:36

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Arnold Bax's String Quartet No. 2 in E minor is a four-movement work composed in 1918. It premiered on March 17, 1922, at the Aeolian Hall in London, performed by the London String Quartet. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, opens with a melancholic melody in the cello, which is then taken up by the viola and first violin. The second theme is more lively and rhythmic, with a syncopated accompaniment. The development section explores the themes in a more contrapuntal and dissonant manner, leading to a dramatic climax before the recapitulation. The second movement, marked Lento espressivo, is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective adagio. The opening theme is played by the first violin, accompanied by pizzicato chords in the other instruments. The middle section features a more agitated theme, but the movement ends with a return to the opening theme, played softly and with great tenderness. The third movement, marked Scherzo: Allegro molto, is a lively and playful scherzo. The main theme is a syncopated dance-like melody, which is contrasted with a more lyrical trio section. The scherzo returns, but with a more frenzied and dissonant character, before ending abruptly. The final movement, marked Finale: Allegro molto, is a virtuosic and energetic conclusion to the quartet. The opening theme is a driving rhythm in the lower instruments, which is then taken up by the first violin in a more lyrical variation. The development section explores the themes in a more contrapuntal and complex manner, leading to a triumphant and exuberant coda. Overall, Bax's String Quartet No. 2 is a highly expressive and emotional work, with a strong sense of drama and contrast between the movements. The quartet showcases Bax's skill as a composer, with its intricate counterpoint, lush harmonies, and vivid orchestration.

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