Sergei Prokofiev's String Quartet No. 1 in B minor, Op. 50 (1931) was commissioned by the Library of Congress. The Quartet was first performed in Washington, D.C., on 25 April 1931 by the Brosa QuartetNice, David (2003). Prokofiev: From Russia to the West, 1891-1935. Yale University Press. Page 293. and in Moscow on 9 October 1931 by the Roth Quartet. The string quartet is in three movements, lasting around 20–25 minutes.
Movements The string quartet has three 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 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
External links
Video - Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 - Complete (23:14). Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 in B minor, Opus 50 (1931). Video - Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 mvt 1/audio (07:20) Allegro. Video - Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 mvt 2/audio (07:10) Andante molto. Video - Prokofiev String Quartet No 1 mvt 3/audio (08:40) Andante.