Form

Sonata

Principle Theme (D minor)

Secondary Motive (F major)

Secondary Motive 2 (F major)

Notes

As quartet writing, this is the richest movement in the quartet featuring wonderful counterpoint: immitation, independance and a variety of textures. Like the 1st movement, this sonata is also considered monothematic. The secondary material moves to a new key (the relative major), quickens the pulse with 16th notes, but does not introduce new signifiant thematic content. It is much more a luscious confirmation of key with excited cadences and the relief of the sunny major key. Notice that the second violin line in the second motive is much like an inversion of the three-note motive in the main theme. This creates a link between the two key areas which supports the monothematic feeling.

In the recapitulation, the secondary material must match its first appearance in shape, form, and content, but it is recast in the tonic key of the sonata, changing from the major to the minor. Same material, but the mood is transformed. Because it matches, but it has a different meaning, Ratner uses the vivid term, a musical "rhyme". Once again, the lightness clouds into a more somber cast, as Haydn concludes as a minor sonata ought. It is a quick, simple without prolonged drama. The "center of gravity" in this quartet is definitely the 1st movement.