Though Ravel may have been a perfectionist as a composer, he seems to have felt a certain freedom to be bold and spontaneous in writing his String Quartet. This work is often considered Ravel’s first masterpiece, and continues to be one of the most widely performed chamber music works in the classical repertoire, representing Ravel’s early achievements and rise to great fame.
The first movement, marked Allegro moderato – Très doux (very sweet) is full of lyrical and soaring lines on the violin.
The second movement, the shortest of the Quartet, is marked Assez vif (rather lively). The music shifts back and forth between pizzicato and more lyrical sections, all highlighting the triple meter with different rhythmic combinations reminiscent of Iberian folk music. The slower, more lyrical middle section of the movement sounds at times almost timeworn – primeval or exotic – with the first violin playing rising lines while the other strings pluck out eerie accompaniment. Low, pizzicato runs leap back into the first section material, and barge ahead to a stomping conclusion.
The nocturne-like third movement, Très lent (very slow), repeats melodic material from the first movement, moving between tension and relaxation throughout, with effective use of tremolo in the supporting lines. At several moments, the first violin soars high, full of romantic sounds, then subsides, as stranger and more suspenseful themes take over.
The finale, Vif et agité (lively and agitated), starts and ends stormily, with moments of respite. Vigorous eighth notes open and are answered by recollections of the first movement. There is great unity in the String Quartet, with the cyclical themes throughout.
Here is the American Quartet to play this music for you:
