String Quartet in C minor op. 8/1

Largo. Allegro agitato – Adagio – Minuetto : Allegro e risoluto – Finale : Presto

It is difficult to date precisely the three Quartets, Op. 8; in all likelihood, they were composed around 1814. When originally published they were identified as Op. 10 (this group having the reverse catalogue number of Op. 8, which adds to the confusion). For some unknown reason, the collection appeared from Naderman in 1815 in Paris, whilst it was Pleyel who published all the other compositions of Onslow until 1831. The collection was revised, which led to new versions, published next in 1816 (still with Naderman), and then again in 1830 (this time with Pleyel). It bears a dedication to Pierre Baillot who, at his public chamber music concerts held between 1823 and 1832, had works by Onslow performed. As with the quartets, Opp. 9 and 10 composed around the same time, the Op. 8 set may be regarded as a continuation of the Viennese classical style, from which it inherits its formal structures, its neatly articulated phrases, its melodic elegance, and its rhythmical high spirits. It also embodies elements of the quatuor brillant especially enjoyed by the French at that time. Indeed, a higher level of technical skill is demanded from the first violin (perhaps Onslow was also wishing the dedicatee’s virtuosity to be showcased here). Nevertheless, the composer was aiming at something more than a simple divertissement. In the Quartet, Op. 8/1, the presence of a slow introduction should also be noted, dark and solemn, filled with a melodic chromaticism. Other ways in which this piece is characterized are by its Adagio– cantabile but galvanised by dotted rhythms – and by its finale where the whirlwind of a tarantella is united with the strictness demanded by fugal writing.