DCCII. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van: String Quartet #5, Op. 18, No. 5

DCCII. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)

String Quartet #5, Op. 18, No. 5 (1798-1800)
1. Allegro
2. Menuetto
3. Andante cantabile
4. Allegro
Quatuor Ebène
(32:05)

Closely modeled on the form of Mozart's String Quartet #18 in A Major, K. 464 (the placement of movements is exact, with a second movement minuet and a theme and variations for the third), Beethoven nevertheless creates something unique here. The themes are memorable, and the little descriptive motivic movements are not only charming, but point towards the future, when such development become important building blocks of his compositions.

First movement

The main theme sings out in Bar 5 after some introductory arpeggios. The second theme infers E Major from a secondary dominant B (V of V). Standard development and recap, but lovingly put together ...



Second movement

Minuet

and Trio (note the off-beat sforzandos!)

Third movement

This most closely resembles the Mozart -- a simple theme with four variations and a coda. This format would serve Beethoven well in the ensuing years, with some stunning works like the Diabelli Variations.

Fourth movement

This little four-note motif dashes through the music in wonderful imitation throughout the movement ...

The movement ends with a quick repetition of the motif, to a subito piano A Major chord.