Vif et agité

Ravel Quartet: Fourth Movement

After the exquisitely beautiful slow movement, Ravel thrusts us into a final movement marked vif et agité (lively and agitated). Much of the agitation comes from the unstable 5/8 meter played at a brisk tempo. But there are always lyrical moments where Ravel plays with themes from the first movement that gives a feeling of cohesion to the quartet.

Exposition

Rondo motif

The movement begins boldly with all four instruments in unison with this five-note rondo motif (Rm) followed by explosive chords.

The music continues with this insistent rondo motif (Rm) being passed between the instruments accentuated by jarring pizzicato chords.

The instruments then explore this rondo motif (Rm) as the music scurries around, swells, and explodes in frantic excitement.

Themes from movement I

The intensity of the rondo motif (Rm) gives way to a more lyrical line that is derived from the first theme of the first movement (A). Then Ravel plays with two variations on this theme (A1 & A2).

After which, the first violin explores a variation of the second theme of the first movement (B), and then a return of the rondo motif (Rm).

Development

The development is a dizzying and thrilling exploration of the rondo motif (Rm) with appearances from the first movement first theme (A) and its variations (A1 & A2).

Recapitulation

The recapitulation quickly revisits all three themes presented in the exposition (Rm, A, B) in a dazzling array of colours and ferocity.

CODA

After the immense climax of the previous section, the instruments make a mad dash to the end combining the rondo motif (RT) and B1.

This firecracker of a movement is the perfect ending to Ravel’s perfectly crafted String Quartet. By using similar themes in all four movements, he creates a satisfying cohesion whilst thrilling us with his remarkable use of contrasting colours, varied instrumental techniques, and sheer virtuosity.