String Quartet no. 1 (Began writing on Nov. 2)

Here's a string quartet in F major. Sorta like a ABA format with a slow section in the middle. Honest comments would be greatly appreciated.

Also, please follow me if you'd like more Neoclassical or Neoromantic music.

This version was created using Finale. However, a string quartet will be playing this (hopefully) during winter break so I'll reupload once they're ready.

It's nice! 

I think this follows a classical style, perhaps because of the angular themes.

But I don't see anything "Neo" at least in the first part. The second part seems to incorporate some mild dissonances.

I mean, I understand that Neoclassicism is a turn back to chamber contrapuntal music, but with dissonances and changes in rhythm.

@Luis HernándezI wouldn’t put Neoclassicism into such a straight-jacket. It’s just contemporary music „that is characterized by the inclusion into contemporary style of features derived of the 17th and 18th centuries“, according to the Harvard Dictionary of Music. Now, this piece could not be performed in the classical period without raising eyebrows - the structure is unusual, the Andante is very unidiomatic for music around 1800, also how it is fading out, or the fast theme around 4:30. But it is basically fine in our era as a fusion of different styles.

@Maximus Melodically interesting, nice how you sustain interest in your material and use repetition to your advantage as one really loves to hear the first theme again. However, some quibbles. The first time I listened to it, I had the feeling the first part would go nowhere in the sense I thought there was no goal for its motion. Also, you fall into the trap of many quartet composers of a rather uninteresting viola part. Most of the time, it just fills in the harmonies and / or provides basic counterpoint. In my feeling, the first violin and the cello are really the most interesting parts to play. Also, instead of the many triplets in the Andante, you could change the time signature and make reading the score easier? Just some quick thoughts.

For me, I like neo-classicism. I am interested in 20th century music. The String Quartet is quite nice, with the nice bass played by the viola.

On 11/19/2017 at 9:43 AM, Willibald said:

Melodically interesting, nice how you sustain interest in your material and use repetition to your advantage as one really loves to hear the first theme again. However, some quibbles. The first time I listened to it, I had the feeling the first part would go nowhere in the sense I thought there was no goal for its motion. Also, you fall into the trap of many quartet composers of a rather uninteresting viola part. Most of the time, it just fills in the harmonies and / or provides basic counterpoint. In my feeling, the first violin and the cello are really the most interesting parts to play. Also, instead of the many triplets in the Andante, you could change the time signature and make reading the score easier? Just some quick thoughts.

 

 

I will certainly pay attention to the viola as I finish the rest of the movements. I certainly understand your point of view (as I do know a few, fiery viola players that always rage about uninteresting parts). Countermelodies are on the way!

On 1/1/2018 at 12:48 PM, ilv said:

It's Romantic, I guess. There's some chromaticism, but it doesn't modulate too much. At around 1:25, there seemed to be a missing F note in either the viola or cello part. Otherwise, your work is amazing.

 

Thanks for the feedback! (I will look into that missing note for F's sake)