Composer

:

Ludwig van Beethoven

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1798 - 1800

Average_duration

:

23:39

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18/4, was composed in 1800-1801 and premiered in Vienna in 1801. The quartet is part of a set of six string quartets, Op. 18, which Beethoven composed between 1798 and 1800. The quartet consists of four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro ma non tanto, is in sonata form and begins with a dramatic and intense theme in the cello. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the first violin. The development section explores the themes in various keys before returning to the recapitulation. The second movement, marked Scherzo: Andante scherzoso quasi allegretto, is a playful and light-hearted scherzo in A-flat major. The trio section features a contrasting theme in C minor. The third movement, marked Menuetto: Allegretto, is a traditional minuet and trio in C minor. The minuet is stately and elegant, while the trio is more delicate and features a prominent role for the first violin. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic rondo in C minor. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is characterized by its rhythmic drive and syncopation. The movement features a number of contrasting episodes, including a lyrical section in E-flat major and a fugato section in C minor. Overall, Beethoven's String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18/4, is characterized by its dramatic intensity, rhythmic drive, and use of contrasting themes and textures. It is considered one of the most significant works in the string quartet repertoire and a testament to Beethoven's mastery of the form.

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