LDV85

How do you perceive the different variations? The quivering high notes of the first variation embody the Maiden’s flight from her destiny. The first violin almost has to be in front, to go a little faster than its partners: that gives an interesting effect of urgency. The cello melody soars above the second variation, which seems to depict the landscape of a deadly forest lost in the mist. The third variation is like a wild hunt. The fourth variation, ethereal, supple, sinuous, suggests a vision of paradise. Then the mood darkens, ushering in a cello passage with incredible writing of great rhythmic complexity. At the end of this movement, when the major mode returns, light pours forth after death – a transcendent, almost comforting death. QUATUOR HERMÈS 15