XXXII. SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri: String Quartet #11 in F Minor, Op. 122

XXXII. SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri (1906-1975)

String Quartet #11 in F Minor, Op. 122 (1966)
1. Introduction: Andantino
2. Scherzo: Allegretto
3. Recitative: Adagio
4. Etude: Allegro
5. Humoresque: Allegro
6. Elegy: Adagio
7. Finale: Moderato -- Meno mosso -- Moderato
Jerusalem Quartet
(16:35)

Shostakovich wrote 15 symphonies and 15 string quartets.

It just worked out that way.

But he didn't compose his First string quartet until the time of his Fifth symphony.

The quartets are as varied as the symphonies, as well -- his style changed over the years, particularly post-1953 after the death of Stalin.

This quartet in seven movements, played without pause, and based on a mournful, chromatic melody which undergoes radical variations throughout.

The First Violin, in the First Movement ("Introduction"):

It was dedicated to the memory of Vasily Shirinsky, who was one of the founding members of the Beethoven Quartet, the group that premiered most of Shostakovich's quartets.