String Quartet (Verdi)

Giuseppe Verdi's String Quartet in E minor was written in the spring of 1873 during a production of Aida in Naples. It is the only surviving chamber music work in Verdi's catalogue.

The Quartet is scored for two violins, viola, and cello (the usual string quartet complement).

I. Allegro
II. Andantino
III. Prestissimo
IV. Scherzo Fuga. Allegro assai mosso

History

Verdi's production of Aida in early March, 1873 was delayed due to the sudden illness of soprano Teresa Stolz. Verdi focused his time in Naples on the writing of his first chamber work, String Quartet in E minor. The work was premiered two days after the opening of Aida during an informal recital at his hotel on April 1, 1873. The names of the original performers survive only as Pinto brothers, violins, Salvadore, viola, and Giarritiello, cello.

Verdi commented on the work, saying "I've written a Quartet in my leisure moments in Naples. I had it performed one evening in my house, without attaching the least importance to it and without inviting anyone in particular. Only the seven or eight persons who usually come to visit me were present. I don't know whether the Quartet is beautiful or ugly, but I do know that it's a Quartet!"

Despite Verdi's humble words concerning the piece, his String Quartet in E minor is valued among the great classical chamber works of the 19th century. It also exists in a version for string orchestra.

References

String Quartets: A Research and Information Guide by Mara E. Parker, 2005 Routledge (London).
Masters of Italian Music by Richard Alexander Streatfeild, 1895 C. Scribner's Sons.
Guide to Chamber Music by Melvin Berger, 2001 Courier Dover Publications