String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96
Composer: Antonin Dvořák
Date of Publication: 1893
Nickname: "American Quartet"
Despite being commonly called the "American" quartet, Dvořák drew no inspiration from American works whilst composing this piece in early June, 1893. However, the quartet still bears a notable resemblance to some Native American and African American music of the time, hence the name. Dvořák started composing this piece 3 days after he arrived in Spillville, Iowa, during his holiday from his conservatory in New York City. Here, he spent most of his time surrounded by Czech immigrants and in a much more spacious, open city than NYC. As a result, a sense of "home" and free flowing, majestic passages can be identified throughout the piece.
The piece is almost entirely based around pentatonic melodies, with F major, A major, and D minor pentatonic scales being common throughout the entire piece. This quartet also remains unique for its emphasis on the viola, and the opening theme, which is probably the most famous viola quartet melody of all time. Dvořák finished composing his quartet near the end of June, 1893. Dvořák had his "American" premiered on January 1st, 1894, in a Boston, where the Kneisel Quartet had the honor of playing it. Shortly after, on January 13th, 1894, the quartet was premiered in NYC. The piece was extremely well received, being compared to "the spirit of eternal sunshine" and having "the soul of Mozart's music". It's impact also can not be understated, inspiring many other composers to engage in the quartet style.
Fun Fact: Whilst its public premiere was in 1894, the quartet's first performance was in Spillville, during Dvořák's stay there. Dvořák played the first violin part.
Movements:
I. Allegro ma non troppo (Sonata form - A B A)
II. Lento
III. Molto vivace (Scherzo form - A B A B A)
IV. Finale. Vivace ma non troppo (rondo form - A B A C A B A )
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