5th Quartet, Opus 18, No. 5, in A.
Allegro—Minuet—Air and Variations—Allegro.
This quartet is chiefly remarkable for its lovely Andante and set of variations on the beautiful theme which has all the natural feeling of a genuine folk-song. The first variation is Fugato; the second has sparkling triplets for the 1st violin; the third woodland murmurs, whilst the cellos and violas occupy themselves with the melody.
The fourth is organ-like in treatment, whilst the final one starts on a boisterous scamper home, which ends, however, in a melancholy, dreamy meditation. The Finale is Mozartian.