Expert: Donald - 11/2/2007

Question
In my university class I have to explain how the violins, violas and cellos augment, amplify or complement that of another.  To me, the instruments sound like they are arguing so I am not sure how they compliment each other. Any help you can provide would be great.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Rikki,

The Beethoven string quartets are very important works from the standpoint of music history. They are also wonderful to listen to!

I do not have a score or a recording of the specific quartet that you are working with, but I can make some suggestions for what to look for...

See if the parts are imitating each other. Do they have staggered entrances? If so, then try to identify how those entrances (and the phrases that follow) are alike or different. Do certain instruments pair up against other instruments? What are the dynamics (volume) of each part? Does the change in dynamic cause a dramatic effect? What is the pitch range of each instrument? Are the violins playing particularly high or low? Do the other instruments? Is there a comparision that you can draw between the pitch range of one instrument with another?

Beethoven also likes to use rhythm as a basis for comparison and contrast. Are there certain rhythms that are recurring frequently? Do the instruments pass a rhythmic figure back and forth?

Those are a few of the questions that you can look at as you analyze the piece. There are many more! You can probably find a list if you google "Beethoven style and performance practice".

Good luck to you as you complete your work, and feel free to contact me again!

Best regards,

Donald