Complete String Quartets

by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Borodin

Although the string quartet was a rarely used form in 19th-century Russia, Tchaikovsky and Borodin both produced superb, inventive compositions in the genre. Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1 in D, Op. 11, is notable for its imaginative freshness and world-famous Andante cantabile movement. His Quartet No. 2 in F, Op. 22, displays remarkable fluency and skilled craftsmanship, while Quartet No. 3 in F-flat Minor, Op. 30, combines austerity with deeply felt intensity and vigor.
Borodin's two string quartets are characterized by his impeccable craftsmanship and expert understanding and use of his instruments. The popular String Quartet No. 2 is especially known for the luxuriant richness of its third movement "Nocturne." Now all five works are available in this handsome, inexpensive edition. Reprinted from authoritative scores.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.