related works
String quartet II : (1964) / Ton de Leeuw
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
String quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)
Scoring:
2vl vla vc
Quatuor à cordes : op. 2 / Géza Frid
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
String quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)
Scoring:
2vl vla vc
String Quartet Nº 1 : in E minor / Maarten ter Horst
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
String quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)
Scoring:
2vn vla vc
Strijkkwartet no. I : 7 juli 1954 Amsterdam / Lex van Delden
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
String quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)
Scoring:
2vl vla vc
composition
String quartet II : (1964) / Ton de Leeuw
Other authors:
Leeuw, Ton de
(Composer)
Description:
Program note (English): By reputation, the string quartet is among musical ensembles one of the hardest to manage. This is even more so since 1950, when a preference for heterogeneous sound colouring became predominant.
Yet the literature for string quartet asserts itself and - in our country - not in the least thanks to the activities of the Dutch ensemble, the Gaudeamus Quartet. The 'Second string quartet' was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture for this particular ensemble.
The composition consists of a large number of short parts which are connected to one another without a break. Most of these parts are also variations of one and the same basic scheme. As such, however, this scheme is so abstract and general (based as it is on a predetermined series of proportions), that the variations resulting from it show great diversities; more so than would be possible in the classical variation form for instance.
Besides, an important part is played in this quartet by contrasts in ways of performance and in treatment of tone colouring. The string instrument is an inexhaustible source of sound-production, even when one limits oneself to the string proper, as in this case. The same applies to the use of microtones.
Contrast, finally, of the atmosphere of action: from violently dynamic parts to the restrained last part with the motto: "and death shall have no dominion" (Dylan Thomas). - TON DE LEEUW