Death and the Maiden

January 16, 2024

The JAI

PROGRAM NOTES BY ALEX GREENBAUM

Schubert’s Quartet in D minor opens with a unison jolt, violent and foreboding. The same material is restated at a whisper, though the unsettling atmosphere remains as the opening subject is tossed around the group and expanded upon. A second theme seems to offer a bit of optimism before itself turning to darkness as well, with the movement’s closing coda offering one more attempt to confront the danger before fading away (perhaps in defeat?).

The second movement gives the quartet its nickname, “Death and the Maiden,” as Schubert borrows the theme from his song of the same name. In the song, Death approaches a young woman and says to her “Give me your hand, you lovely, tender creature. I am a friend and come not to punish. Be of good courage, I am not cruel; you shall sleep softly in my arms.” This Death seems both terrifying and comforting (as elsewhere in Schubert’s music). He presents the theme as a hushed chorale, before embarking on a set of variations that traverses an amazing array of emotions and atmospheres, all while preserving a pristine, strict sense of form and structure. This music is at turns whispering, gasping, shouting and pleading, before ending once again in resignation.

The Scherzo that follows is no light-hearted diversion, instead beginning with raucous offbeats and unsettling accents. It gives way to a sweet, almost lilting Trio that is an example of Schubert's unmatched gift for lyricism, conjuring the unattainable beauty and peace he so longed for. Yet fate (and musical form) dictates that the stormy Scherzo must return, and the fleeting hope is once again extinguished.

The final movement is a headlong rush, galloping through the darkness. It is relentless in its energy; though some more gentle, song-like themes are present, they’re surrounded by frantic, darting accompaniments. Comfort is not coming, as the eruption of the faster last section and the violent concluding chords feel inevitable and unforgiving.