String Quartet in C# Minor, op. 131

Question 1

String Quartet background information

Answer 1

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

Question 2

String Quartet essay sections

Answer 2

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

Question 3

String Quartet First Movement

Answer 3

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

Question 4

String Quartet Fugal Exposition

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

String Quartet after 4 statements of the theme

Answer 5

• 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)

Question 6

String Quartet exquisite moment

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

String Quartet return original key

Answer 7

• 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