Presented by Leo Samama.
While the Rosamunde-quartet in A minor was still on the bench, Schubert had already begun with the String quartet in D minor in March 1824, which became known as “Der Tod und das Mädchen”. This nickname is the result of the use of the eponymous song from 1817 of Schubert in the slow part. And moreover in that part wherein death itself is staged tellingly. This has left its mark on the whole quartet. But also the faster part in which the girl defends herself has ended up in the quartet. The Quartet in D minor is not only dark, but also extremely fierce, as is in the intense music of the Allegro. The Andante con moto is based on the mentioned song. It is a trip of dismay (death with its monotone tone repetitions) via resistance until hope, sometimes moaning and sometimes threatening, sometimes idyllic and sometimes melancholic and promising. A short Scherzo serves as a fortress towards the demonic final (Presto), that takes the cake on the whole piece.
Franz Schubert – Der Tod und das Mädchen (D531)
Performers: Matthias Goerne, Helmuth Deutsch
CD: Harmonia Mundi
Franz Schubert – String quartet no.14, in D minor (D810)
“Der Tod und das Mädchen”
1. Allegro, 2. Andante con moto, 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto – Trio, 4. Presto
Performers: Alban Berg Quartet
CD: Warner Classics
Franz Schubert – String quartet no.9, in G minor (D173)
Part 2: Andantino, part 4: Allegro
Performers: Diogenes Quartet
CD: Briljant Classics
