| 41678 | STRING QUINTET IN C OP. 163, D. 956: Scherzo, 3rd movement |
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| Schubert, Franz (Arr. Debbaut, Robert) |  Score
 mp3 audio
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| Category: String Orchestra |
| Grade: Medium Difficult |
| Duration: 5:00 |
| Instrumentation: str=8.8.5.5.5 |
| Comments: The Cello Quintet. |
| Description: The String Quintet in C major (D.956, Op. Posth. 163) is Schubert’s final chamber work, completed two months before the composer’s death. It is sometimes called the Cello Quintet because unlike the standard string quintet, which includes an extra viola, this work adds an extra cello. The third movement Scherzo comprises two large sections, with a repeat of the first section to create a “fast-slow-fast” format. While the slow section is imbued with Schubert’s usual melodic poignancy, it may be more so, as he must’ve known his end was near. What is most impressive for this author is Schubert’s brief chromatic transitional passages that certainly are reminiscent of Mozart’s embrace of chromaticism in the finale of his 40th Symphony. While certainly a tour de force for strings, it also employs some thematic materials that seem more associated with the brasses, and its main melody has a rustic element reminiscent of a group of young boys marching while playing “soldier”. Certainly, this is quite intriguing given the usual urban sophistication of Schubert’s melodies. |