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String Quartet No. 8 (Dvořák)

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Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 8. in E major, Op. 80 (B. 57), is a chamber composition, written between 20 January and 4 February 1876 in Prague.

The work, originally marked as Op. 27, was composed shortly after finishing the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 26, and before the beginning of the sketchings for the Stabat Mater cantata.

The quartet was published in 1888 by Fritz Simrock in Berlin as Op. 80, although Dvořák protested.[1] The first performance took place on 29 December 1890 at the concert of the Joachim Quartet in Berlin, played by Joachim, Hegemeister, Wirth and Diepert.

Structure

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The composition consists of four movements:

  1. Allegro
  2. Andante con moto
  3. Allegro scherzando
  4. Allegro con brio (Finale)

The recent loss of Dvořák's second child is apparent in his works from this period.[1] The quartet, like the Stabat Mater and Piano Trio No. 2, is sad and nostalgic. Although nominally in a major key, themes are often presented in a minor key. The expression of melancholy and sorrow is apparent throughout the work.[1]

A typical performance lasts about 28 minutes.

Recordings

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Dvořák: Chamber Works Vol. 6. CD Supraphon. 11 1456-2 131. (Panocha Quartet)

Footnotes

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  1. ^ a b c Score, foreword

References

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  • Antonín Dvořák: Smyčcový kvartet E dur, Op. 80. (Score) Prague: SNKLHU, 1956. H 1835
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