Today’s programme starts with the rondo finale from Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 10 in E flat major, opus 51. We continue with the String Quartet No. 11 in C major, opus 61 from 1881, much less overtly traditional folk music than the the previous quartet, on the traditional folk music. The composition of this work may better be described as symphonic and is reminiscent of his seventh symphony. The music sounds solid and melodious at the same time, and is of an unprecedented beauty!
The Quartet Movement in F major, which was performed for the first time in 1945, was originally the first part of the String Quartet No. 11 in C major. We end today’s programme with the Nocturne in B major, opus 40. This piece was also originally meant for another work, the String Quartet in E major, opus 80. Dvořák later inserted this piece in the String Quintet in G major, opus 77, by adding a double bass to the quartet.
Antonin Dvořák – String Quartet in E flat major (no. 10), opus 51 (1879) ‘Slavonic’
4. Finale. Allegro assai
Performed by: The Vogler String Quartet
CD: CPO
Antonin Dvořák – String Quartet in C major. (no. 11), opus 61 (1881)
1. Allegro, 2. Poco adagio e molto cantabile, 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivo, 4. Finale. Vivace
Performed by: The Talich Quartet
CD: La Dolce Volta
Antonin Dvořák – Quartet Movement in F major. (B.120) (1881)
Performed by: The Stamic Quartet
CD: Briljant Classics
Antonin Dvořák – Nocturne in B major, opus 40 (1870 revised in 1875 and 1883)
Performed by: The Panocha Quartet
CD: Supraphon
Produced & presented by: