String Quartet No. 8 (Dvořák)
Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 8. in E major, Op. 80 (B. 57), is a chamber composition, written between 20 January and 4 February 1876 in Prague.
The work, originally marked as Op. 27, was composed shortly after finishing the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 26, and before the beginning of the sketchings for the Stabat Mater cantata.
The quartet was published in 1888 by Fritz Simrock in Berlin as Op. 80, although Dvořák protested.[1] The first performance took place on 29 December 1890 at the concert of the Joachim Quartet in Berlin, played by Joachim, Hegemeister, Wirth and Diepert.
Structure
[edit]The composition consists of four movements:
- Allegro
- Andante con moto
- Allegro scherzando
- Allegro con brio (Finale)
The recent loss of Dvořák's second child is apparent in his works from this period.[1] The quartet, like the Stabat Mater and Piano Trio No. 2, is sad and nostalgic. Although nominally in a major key, themes are often presented in a minor key. The expression of melancholy and sorrow is apparent throughout the work.[1]
A typical performance lasts about 28 minutes.
Recordings
[edit]Dvořák: Chamber Works Vol. 6. CD Supraphon. 11 1456-2 131. (Panocha Quartet)
Footnotes
[edit]References
[edit]- Antonín Dvořák: Smyčcový kvartet E dur, Op. 80. (Score) Prague: SNKLHU, 1956. H 1835
