Bedřich Smetana - String Quartet No. 2 in D Minor, JB 1:124

Bedřich Smetana - String Quartet No. 2 in D Minor, JB 1:124 (1882-1883)
Performed by the Stamitz Quartet

Movement One: Allegro - 0:00
Movement Two: Allegro moderato - 5:04
Movement Three: Allegro non più moderato, ma agitato e con fuoco - 11:09
Movement Four: Presto - 16:09

[mynews]

This is a piece that a great composer created in his later years, risking his life for it. When I listen to this piece while thinking about how he felt when he created it, tears naturally flow. I am an amateur when it comes to composition and music theory, but when I listen to it while looking at the score, I feel that each instrument is used very effectively. In particular, I was able to notice once again how effectively the viola, which is usually not very noticeable, is used.

[morrigambist]

This work is relatively neglected, yet it shows a cornucopia of ways to change harmonies. It almost sounds like an experimental piece.