The Quartett, op. 35a, was originally composed for violin, viola, and two ’cellos, and afterwards re-written for the usual combination. Far from its losing by the change, its heaviness is considerably relieved and its value enhanced. It is dedicated to the memory of Tschaïkovsky, the material being taken from the Greek orthodox liturgy, from Tschaïkovsky’s own works, and from national sources.[36]
The work opens thus:—
Arensky, Op. 35a.
A little farther on this is repeated in slightly varied form, with a fresh theme played above it by the first violin:—
Arensky, Op. 35a.
