Presented by Leo Samama.
With the Quartet in G major Schubert brought his quartet oeuvre to an end in the early Summer of 1826. With the String quintet in C major, the Quartet in G major shares its exciting harmonic contrasts. Moreover, both works are from the start symphonical and bridge (in hindsight) with works of Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler. Particularly the first part (the Allegro molto moderato) has symphonical proportions. The collisions between minor and major are responsible for a highly dramatic atmosphere. Yet still, there is space for panoramas and broadly spun-out lines. In the second part, a spun-out intense and melancholic melody stands out in the cello, after which the atmosphere changes into a violent storm which rages over the summery countryside. Again, it is the Scherzo, which despite its length forms a bridge to the finale. This part is constructed on three themes, which emerge from each other. The first performance of the Quartet in G major happened in 1850, 22 years after Schubert’s death, and was played by the quartet of Josef Hellmesberger.
Franz Schubert – String quartet no.15, in G major (D887)
1. Allegro molto moderato, 2. Andante un poco moto, 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace, 4. Allegro assai
Performers: Cuarteto Casals
CD: Harmonia Mundi
Franz Schubert – String quartet no.10, in E-flat major (D87)
Part 4: Allegro
Performers: Cuarteto Casals
CD: Harmonia Mundi
