24th Annual Student Research Conference
Quartettsatz in C Minor, D. 703: An Early Song Without Words
Evan N. Mirts*, Sarite Brown, Emily Koboldt, and Josiah Moore
Dr. Brian X. Kubin, Faculty Mentor
Franz Schubert (1797-1828) composed the Quartettsatz (Movement for a String Quartet) in C Minor, D. 703, as the opening movement of a twelfth string quartet that was never finished. Entitled simply "Allegro assai," it was completed along with part of an unfinished second movement, "Andante," in 1820 before the project, and much of his other work at the time, was abandoned. The piece did not premiere until 1867, nearly forty years after Schubert's death. Schubert's work embodies the spirit of the early romantic period, and Quartettsatz is prized by performers for its energy and lyric beauty. The melody, a sweet, lilting tune reminiscent of a voice singing, is held by the first violin for much of movement, punctuated alternatingly by dramatic tension and quiet reflection from the lower voices.
Keywords: Franz Schubert, string quartet, Quartettsatz, Romantic, lyric
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 5-1
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 2:45