WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Classical Context: String Quartet No. 17, W. M. Mozart

Episode Date: February 17, 2025

A tribute to composer Franz J. Haydn, Mozart’s “Hunt” Quartet brings us back to 18th century chamber music.

Hello, I'm your host, Peter Andrews, and you're listening to Classical Context on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. Today, we're exploring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's string quartet number 17. The string quartet in B-flat major was the fourth quartet in a series written in November of 1784. Known as the Hunt Quartet, it is easily the most popular of the Haydn quartets, dedicated by Mozart to that composer. Its nickname, supplied by someone other than Mozart, refers to the opening theme of the first movement that suggests the shape, open harmony, and clarity of a simple hunting call, with the violin duet suggesting a pair of horns. It's a four-movement work written for the traditional string quartet, two violins, a viola and a cello.

Here's the opening to the Hunt Quartet. The warm clarion motif launches one of Mozart's finest sonata movements. The luxurious elegance of this first theme gives way to the second theme, vividly tagged by a simple five-note motif, like a trill or a shake. This deceptively simple musical figure saturates the movement, fuels the development, and provides the chief contrast to the equally pervasive hunting horn motif. Listen for those trills. The second movement is a moderate and stately minuet with a more animated trio,

featuring delicate clockwork in the inner voices, a singing first violin with canonic echoes from the cello, in a pleasing polarity of treble and bass. The movement is filled with Mozart's signature melodic gift, the themes are memorable and singable, showcasing his ability to craft beautiful and expressive lines. While the harmony is largely diatonic, using notes within the key signature, Mozart adds subtle touches of chromaticism and unexpected chord changes to keep the listener engaged and intrigued. Mozart also uses a range of dynamics, from soft and delicate to more forceful passages, adding depth and drama to the music. Listen for that dynamic contrast.

The third movement of Mozart's Hun Quartet is a slow, expressive adagio. It stands in stark contrast to the vivacious first and second movement, creating a sense of tranquility and introspection. The movement is dominated by a long lyrical theme in the first violin, which unfolds with exquisite grace and sensitivity. This melody is supported by a delicate accompaniment from the other instruments, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth. The voices intertwine and complement each other, creating a rich and textured musical tapestry. The cello in particular plays a prominent role, with its deep, resonant sound, adding depth and richness to the overall texture. Listen for the interactions between voices.

The finale is a whirlwind of energy and excitement. It's a presto, a very fast tempo, and it brings the quartet to a brilliant and satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend you sit down and listen to the entirety of this piece. My personal favorite recording is from the Albon Berg quartet, available wherever you listen to music. I'm your host, Peter Andrews, and I'll see you next week, right here on Classical Context. on Radio Free Hillsdale, 101.7 FM.