The first movement of the string quartet is written in the second rondo form with each theme having its own unique character. The rather genial first subject moves to the slower and more lush music of the B section. There is an abbreviated return to A before a viola solo introduces us to the C theme. The viola is joined by the other strings as this motif alternates with the increasingly intense music of the C section. A final statement of the viola theme brings us back to the A section and coda.
Movement 2 is a Theme and Variations with a descriptive program. The theme is a simple folk-like melody traditionally harmonized and led by the viola. But the variations drift away, as if the other three strings are attempting to influence the viola who tries to pull them back to the original tune. The variations are marked by strident “sul ponticello” tremolos, angry pizzicatos, and harsh and dissonant sonorities, but each time the viola manages to bring the others back. Finally the slow variation marked Andante is the turning point and the movement ends as the theme in its first form triumphs.
The first violin part of the final movement was originally meant to be a short, technical work for solo violin. There are two contrasting themes: the first a frolicking, perpetual motion, and the second, a slower paced melody. The coda is a contrapuntal treatment of the first theme which is tossed from one player to another building to the final exciting cadence.
