Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Chamber

Publication Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

17:04

Charles Gounod's String Quartet No. 3 in A minor (published) was composed in 1873 and premiered on January 25, 1874, at the Société Nationale de Musique in Paris. The quartet consists of four movements: Allegro moderato, Scherzo, Adagio, and Allegro molto. The first movement, Allegro moderato, begins with a melancholic and introspective theme in the first violin, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The second theme is more lively and energetic, with a sense of urgency and restlessness. The movement is characterized by its use of chromaticism and modulations, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, Scherzo, is a playful and light-hearted dance in 3/4 time. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around the other instruments. The trio section is more lyrical and features a beautiful melody in the cello. The movement ends with a return to the scherzo theme, which is played with increasing speed and energy. The third movement, Adagio, is the emotional heart of the quartet. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the first violin, which is then taken up by the other instruments. The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive phrasing, which create a sense of deep emotion and longing. The final movement, Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic dance in 6/8 time. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is then passed around the other instruments. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity, which create a sense of excitement and vitality. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the main theme, bringing the quartet to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Gounod's String Quartet No. 3 in A minor (published) is a masterful work that showcases the composer's skill in writing for the string quartet. The music is characterized by its emotional depth, expressive phrasing, and rich harmonies, which create a sense of drama and intensity throughout the four movements.

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