Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 8. in E major, Op. 80, (B. 57), is a chamber composition, written during 20 January and 4 February 1876 in Prague.
Contents
The work, originally marked as opus 27, was composed shortly after finishing the Piano trio in G minor (Op. 26), and before the beginning of the sketchings for the Stabat Mater cantata.
The quartet was published in 1888 by Fritz Simrock in Berlin as opus 80, although Dvořák protested. The first performance took place on 29 December 1890 at the concert of the Joachim Quartet in Berlin, played by Joachim, Hegemeister, Wirth and Diepert.
Structure
The composition consists of four movements:
- Allegro
- Andante con moto
- Allegretto scherzando
- Allegro con brio (Finale)
The recent loss of Dvořák's second child is apparent in his works from this period. The quartet, like the Stabat Mater and Piano trio, is sad and nostalgic. Although nominally in a major key, themes are often presented in a minor key. The expression of melancholy and sorrow is apparent throughout the work.
A typical performance lasts about 28 minutes.
Recordings
Dvořák: Chamber Works Vol. 6. CD Supraphon. 11 1456-2 131. (Panocha Quartet)