String Quartet (Debussy)

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Claude Debussy wrote his sole String Quartet in G minor, opus 10 in 1893.

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[edit] Background

The previous year Debussy had abandoned the opera Rodrigue et Chimène. He planned to write two string quartets only one of which materialized.

The quartet received its premiere on December 29, 1893 by the Ysaÿe Quartet at the Société Nationale in Paris to mixed reactions.

[edit] Analysis

The work seems to be influenced by the style of César Franck. The result is a cyclic structure with the four movements connected by thematic material. Other influences include Borodin and Javanese gamelan music.

[edit] Movements

  1. Animé et très décidé
  2. Assez vif et bien rythmé
  3. Andantino, doucement expressif
  4. Très modéré - En animant peu à peu - Très mouvementé et avec passion

[edit] References

  • Liner notes by Robert Orledge to Recording of the Quartet by Belcea Quartet

[edit] External links

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