Judith Weir
String Quartet No. 2
The Spaniard
Judith Weir
String Quartet No. 2
The Spaniard
- Instrumentation String Quartet (2 Violins, Viola and Cello)
- Composer Judith Weir
- Edition Score and Parts
- Publisher Chester Music
- Order no. CH88367
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Description:
Shortly after completing my Second Quartet, I realised that all of its formal features reminded me of moments from Beethoven’s quartets. An edgy, conversational opening followed by a long cello tune; an athletic minuet and trio; a hymn-like slow movement; and a second scherzo for the finale, ending with an extended, impassioned coda. I hadn’t intended to write a Beethoven homage; but neither was the resemblance to my favourite quartet composer a coincidence. So my subtitle is also an oblique reference to him. The Spaniard" was Beethoven’s nickname at home in Bonn, on account of his "short, stocky build" and "dark-brown facial complexion"; according to his Bonn contemporary and neighbour, Gottfried Fischer." – Judith Weir