String Quartet No.5 in E minor - Nikolai Myaskovsky

Performed by the Taneyev Quartet.

I - Allegro tranquillo: 0:00
II - Molto vivo, sussurando: 7:47
III - Andantino semplice (quasi Andante): 11:39
IV - Allegro molto e con brio: 17:15

Myaskovsky' fifth string quartet was composed between 1938-9, being dedicated to his friend and former student Vissarion Shebalin, who became a well-known composer, at least inside of the Soviet Union, in his own right. Unfortunatelly, we don't have the premiere date of the piece.

The first movement is structured in sonata form. It begins with a melancholic theme of Russian flavour, exposed in an expressive but contained way. The second theme is hardly contrasting, being slightly more optimistic in character. The development is more dynamic an dramatic but still pretty moderate if we compare to other quartets. Both themes are extensively recapitulated, with the second one now in E minor. A contemplative coda ends the movement.

The second movement is a unusual scherzo in ternary form. An eerie, almost ghostly, rhythmic main theme is presented, full of wild chromatic scale passages. The trio is deeply lyrical, introducing a warm theme as contrast. However, the scherzo quickly returns to the misterious rhythm of the main theme. A new, noble theme is presented as a kind of second trio, but as with the first, the scherzo fastly reappears. Pizzicato chords end the movement hesitantly.

The third movement is also written in ternary form. Begins with a calm and simple rhythmic theme, almost like a minuet, which slowly developes until reaching a climax. A more tense section opens in the middle, based on the previous material. Canonical entries based on the theme start appearing, creating a rather dense texture. The main theme is then recapitulated in the usual fashion. The movement ends with the rhythmic line in the pizzicatos of the basses.

The fourth movement is also written in sonata form. A vigorously pulsatig main theme is presented, then a transition takes us to a melodic second theme, of a more dreamy nature. The development is based on the energic main theme, creating a dynamic mood. Both themes are recapitulated. A final decrescendo takes us to a peaceful coda.

Picture: "Night at the Lake Ilmen" (1914) by the Russian painter Ivan Bilibin. Sketch of a scenery for "Sadko" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

[fransmeersman]

Again a great constructed and very beautiful and captivating quartet and many congratulations for the exquisite performance by the Taneyev Quartet. Its a pure joy to listen to Myaskovsky's music. Thank you so much !!

[Eriksariejd]

I must say all five of the Myaskovsky Quartets are wonderful - thanks!

[IgnatzKolisch]

Never heard this before, but was very impressed. I like it a lot! Thank you for sharing this!