Presented by Leo Samama.
Arnold Schönberg (1874-1951) – String Quartet no.1, in D minor third, opus 7 (1904-05)
- Nicht zu rasch, 2. Kräftig (nicht zu rasch), 3. Mässig (langsame viertel), 4. Mässig (heiter)
Performers: Leipziger Streichquartett
CD: MDG
Anton Webern (1883-1945) – Rondo (1906)
Performers: Emerson String Quartet
CD: DGG
With the First String Quartet, in D major third, opus 7 from 1905, Schoenberg took an enormous step after the earlier quartet in D major third from 1897. His official first work is a voluminous, dramatic, restless, contrast-rich and hyper-expressive score, like a long story in several segments with a multitude of tempo variations. With this work, Schoenberg has definitely passed his master’s test.
Incidentally, for him this quartet was not only a technical test, but it also seems – based on the notes in the sketches – to have been an emotional ordeal. It contains statements such as ‘rebellion, pride’, ‘despair’, ‘combative power’, ‘development of the imagination’, ‘supreme intoxication of the senses’ and ‘quiet joy and introspection of peace and harmony’.
The score and parts of Anton Webern’s 1906 Rondo for string quartet only appeared in the 1970s. It is a striking work by a young composer.
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