Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - Op.64 String Quartet No.2 ‘Quasi una fantasia’ (1990-1) (Score, Analysis)

Op.64 Quasi una fantasia (II Kwartet smyczkowy)/Quasi una Fantasia (second string quartet)
Henryk Mikołaj Górecki (1933-2010) was a Polish composer of contemporary music. He is most famous for his third symphony, but his oeuvres stretch from piano miniatures to gigantic choral works. His earlier compositions are in serialist style, while his later ones are in a minimalist style.
This quartet was commissioned by Beigler Trust, Kościuszko Foundation for the Kronos Quartet, and was dedicated to that quartet. It was premiered in 1991 by the Kronos Quartet.
(0:00) Mov.1 Largo, Sostenuto-mesto - The first movement starts with a brooding figure, with the repeated E in the cello, and chromatic melody of the viola.
(4:11) Second violin joins.
(5:42) The same chromatic melody, but even more brooding. And with no respite, the first movement concludes thus.
(8:08) Mov.2 Deciso-energico, Marcatissimo sempre - The second movement is more lively and folksy. This dance tune is expanded little by little
(9:05) The dance tune is presented fully here.
(9:31) Another dance tune, brighter.
(10:04) Mixture of the 2 dance tunes.
(10:45) However, we are constantly reminded of the brooding landscape around us, due to these allusions to the first movement.
(11:07) Dance 1
(12:42) The second “reminder” of the first movement, which concludes the movement.
(14:55) Mov.3 Arioso: Adagio cantabile, ma molto espressivo e molto appassionato - The third movement is more lyrical, and there are 2 important elements, which is presented from the start. The lullaby-like tune, and a birdsong-like motif.
(15:53) Birdsong motif is developed
(16:44) Lullaby - Birdsong
(17:14) Developed version of the lullaby motif.
(17:59) Lamenting tone, birdsong.
(18:29) “Reminder” of the first movement. However, the tone is more settled in my opinion.
(20:04) Return of both motif, and the movement concludes with the lullaby motif, very silently.
(22:22) Mov.4 Allegro, sempre con grande passione e molto marcato - The brooding landscape is away from us, with this rather humorous dance greeting us.
(23:12) Another dance.
(23:40) Another dance, bright and rather light.
(24:09) Another dance, humorous and light.
(24:59) Third dance.
(25:35) First dance.
(25:58) Transition, which contains yet another “reminder”
(26:35) First dance.
(27:01) First dance.
(27:48) Concluding figure 1, with repeated notes
(28:44) Concluding figure 2, which is the final “reminder”, which returns back to the chromatic melody of the very beginning. Thus, the piece ends in a settled tragedy.
Performed by Kronos Quartet
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[@patrickvachino8275]

This was incredible

[@steveegallo3384]

@patrickvachino8275 -- Yes,,,,the Power....and Ardor......BRAVO from Acapulco!

[@AndyAand]

Cello part has no high register at all.

[@syroyid]

check minute 23:20