Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

Jul 1, 1889 - Aug 19, 1889

Publication Date

:

1890

First Performance

:

Oct 17, 1890

Average_duration

:

35:03

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Antonin Dvorák's Piano Quartet No. 2 in E flat major, B. 162, Op. 87, was composed in 1889 and premiered in Prague on January 6, 1891. The quartet is comprised of four movements: Allegro con fuoco, Lento, Allegro moderato - Trio, and Finale: Allegro ma non troppo. The first movement, Allegro con fuoco, begins with a fiery and energetic theme in the piano, which is then taken up by the strings. The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and use of syncopation. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the cello. The development section is marked by a series of modulations and a return of the opening theme in a new key. The movement ends with a virtuosic coda. The second movement, Lento, is a beautiful and melancholic adagio. The piano introduces a mournful melody, which is then taken up by the strings. The music is characterized by its use of chromaticism and rich harmonies. The middle section features a more agitated theme, which is eventually resolved back into the opening melody. The third movement, Allegro moderato - Trio, is a scherzo and trio. The scherzo is marked by its playful and rhythmic character, with the piano and strings trading off melodic material. The trio section is more lyrical and features a beautiful melody in the cello. The final movement, Finale: Allegro ma non troppo, is a lively and energetic conclusion to the quartet. The music is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies and dance rhythms. The development section features a fugue-like passage, which eventually leads back to the opening material. The quartet ends with a triumphant coda. Overall, Dvorák's Piano Quartet No. 2 is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill in writing for both piano and strings. The music is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic drive. It remains a beloved work in the chamber music repertoire.

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