Beethoven

by Romain Rolland

4th Quartet, Opus 18, No. 4, in C minor.

Allegro ma non tanto—Scherzo—Menuetto—Rondo.

Written in Beethoven's favourite key, C minor, this quartet is remarkable for its melodiousness. It has no slow movement and contains both a Scherzo and a Minuet, the former marked Andante Scherzoso quasi Allegretto and opening in a Fugato style reminiscent of the Andante of the First Symphony. Both this and the Minuet contain the characteristic Sforzandi, especially that on the third beat of triple time. The Prestissimo Coda brings the Finale to a powerful conclusion.