String Quartet in C# Minor, op. 131 Flashcards Preview

Part 4: The Classical Era > String Quartet in C# Minor, op. 131 > Flashcards

Flashcards in String Quartet in C# Minor, op. 131 Deck (7)
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1
Q

String Quartet background information

A
  • string quartet
  • Ludwig van Beethoven
  • comp 1826
  • 7 mvts (w/o break)
  • 1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, cello
2
Q

String Quartet essay sections

A
  • First Movement
  • Fugal Expostion
  • after 4 statements of themes
  • exquisite moment
  • return original key
3
Q

String Quartet First Movement

A
  • C# minor
  • Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo
  • cut time
  • fugal texture
  • four voices
4
Q

String Quartet Fugal Exposition

A
  • main theme (subject): first violin, tonic key
  • subject: 4 measures long, 2 segments, four-note motive (end w/ sforzando), and series of flowing quarter notes
  • subject presented by each 4 instr in turn (customary of fugal exposition)
  • 2nd violin and cello present theme as real answer in F# minor (subdominant rather than expected dominant)
  • chromatic notes: harmonic instability, intense and introspective character
5
Q

String Quartet after 4 statements of the theme

A
  • draws on two basic motives: complex imitative fabric
  • bold tonal plan: modulation to distant keys (Eb minor, B major), theme stated by cello (broadly)
  • contrapuntal devices: subject in diminution (1st violin), augmentation (cello)
6
Q

String Quartet exquisite moment

A
  • subject presented by first vilin, A major, dolce, (serenely in upper most register)
  • pairing of instr: textural reduction, 1st and 2nd violins, then viola and cello
7
Q

String Quartet return original key

A
  • return to C# minor
  • 2nd motive of subject treated in diminution (prepare final statement of theme)
  • final statement begin w/ tritone by cello (in augmentation)
  • even as music winds down (approach gentle close), sforandi on 4th beat: unsettled effect leading to final C# major chords
  • 2nd mvt (and all subsequent mvts) played w/o pause