String quartet in A minor : mov 2 : scherzo

Hi guys,

quick post to present you the scherzo of the string quartet in A minor I composed today. Any remark, thought and critic is welcomed ! 

Here is also the link to the first movement : 

  The form is good, and I generally get the thematic material.

  My issue is with the harmonization and uniform rhythms being used in most of the voices, MOST of the time.

    Possibilities:

  Lighten up on the eights maybe in the 1st half of the a phrase-- creating more differentiation?  

   Differentiate the parts by syncopating the 2nd violin/viola against the violin more?   Where you do this now the music is very engaging.

  Vary the reiterations of the thematic material each new instance in some way

  I like the middle section but I think the theme need more punch-- it seems to linger in a fairly tight range---it needs a peak that sticks, phrasing wise.

  I think this piece could be highly effective.  There is that Mendelssohnian scherzo quality lurking, but I think these issues will need to be looked at.

  That's just my take.  A whole lot of good here.

Great work on the scherzo! I’m excited to hear how it complements the first movement. I’ll give it a listen and let you know my thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

Hi,

I enjoyed the mid-section; however, I wanted it to continue a bit longer with a bit more development.  It contrasted nicely with your opening theme.

Mark

I think this is really good! I'm biased because I wish I had written it for my trio second movement 🙂 I like the dynamism and I like that the harmonic symplicity of the main theme is always a step away from making the whole thing kinda trite but instead there's always a balance that keeps the listener to the edge and supercurious about what's coming next. Also, very nice contrast with the more cantabile sections, which by the way have a lovely theme and some very cool harmonic solutions. Interesting and effective use of pizzicato as well. Loved it!