Russian composer Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich [1906–1975] wrote 15 string quartets. The Eighth was one of a number of quartets that Shostakovich arranged for string orchestra – this one was entitled Chamber Symphony. The work is in five movements with three being marked largo.
The work commences in a fugal manner, all the while being harmonious. There is very little tempo in the movement, but a lot of sparsity. The fugue eventually ceases but the melodic material is reused, in a most soulful manner as probing phrases wrap around each other for a stunning effect. The music carries on in a similar manner to the opening, with the cello writing being very fine. A faded cello completes the movement and moves straight into the second.
This is an energised mood with instruments bouncing hither and thither, and some of the music from the preceding movement is reused in this zestful mood. A return to the introductory passage is excitable and forceful, quite confronting really.
The third movement opens with a solo violin phrase which leads the ensemble into a tempo. The cello is again prominent and the feeling is one of a folk dance – and terrific string writing. Now the ensemble harmonise the first violin’s lines for a time. This leads to a strong passage before the intensity is released, and the opening phrase is heard, as other melodic lines reappear. Nearing the end, we are left with a solo violin which again fades into the next movement.
Harmonised rhythmic phrases reach out before a sombre passage of harmonised ensemble is quite striking. Now we have a recapitulation of the opening, moving this time into a gentle melody over even gentler harmonies – most transcendent, I could listen to this mood forever. The violin reaches out over the ensemble carpet, with the melodies being quite precious. A further recapitulation, this time more measured drops back to one violin, which commences the final movement.
Slightly reminiscent of elements of the previous movement, it occupies the same emotional space. Mostly an essay from the violin, over sporadic, deep resonant ensemble lines, this is peaceful music. To end the work, the last 20 seconds of the movement is silence.
This is one of my favourite Shostakovich quartets and I have previously discussed 1, 9, 10 and 15. These are all wonderful.
The work is easily obtainable, as his works are so popular. The review CD was the Brodsky Quartet complete set on Teldec.
There are several versions on Spotify, earsense and YouTube. earsense also features a fine, interesting article on the piece.
Listenability: Brimming with contradictions, a sense of introversion pervades the work.