Sergei Prokofiev's String Quartet No. 1 in B minor, Op. 50 (1931) was commissioned by the Library of Congress.[1][2] The Quartet was first performed in Washington, D. C. on 25 April 1931 by the Brosa Quartet[3] and in Moscow on 9 October 1931 by the Roth Quartet.[1][2] The string quartet is in three movements, lasting around 20–25 minutes.
Movements
Analysis
The work is distinctive in that its key, B minor, is just a semitone below the limits of the viola and cello range. Another distinctive feature is that the finale is a second slow movement, which is highly intense in emotion and full of sweeping melodies.
Prokofiev had liked the finale so much that he transcribed a version of it for string orchestra, as Op. 50a, and included a piano transcription in his pieces as Op. 52.
See also
- Prokofiev - String Quartet No. 2 in F major
- Prokofiev - Chamber Music
- Prokofiev - List of Compositions
References
- ^ a b Staff (15 November 2010). "Foundations for Music (Library of Congress Music, Theater, Dance: An Illustrated Guide)". Library of Congress. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
- ^ a b Sorensen, Sugi (2005). "The Prokofiev Page - String Quartet No 1 in B minor, Op 50". Allegro Media. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
- ^ Nice, David (2003). Prokofiev: From Russia to the West, 1891-1935. Yale University Press. Page 293.
External links
- String Quartet No. 1, Op. 50: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 in B minor, Opus 50 (1931).