String quartet "Nec aspera terrent", W.o.O. 58
Ernst Krenek Edition, Volume 3
When he was nineteen, Ernst Krenek composed his first string quartet for an American competition with an enticing $1000 prize. This work shows how Krenek processed, with youthful vigour, the influences from his composition lessons with Franz Schreker. From a solid basis in tonality, Krenek develops chromatically shimmering themes and motives, which he moulds during the three movements into different characters and musical shapes, delighting in contrapuntal play. Already this first string quartet from 1920 reveals Krenek’s inventiveness and craftsmanship. However, he was not awarded the desired prize. And due to his very rapid stylistic development – already clearly apparent in his next string quartet, op. 6 (1921), which was celebrated by the musical avant-garde—he quickly left this early work behind him.
Editor of the volume: Clemens Zoidl
Krems, 2023