The Idyl for Strings: The Adagio

The Adagio as performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra demonstrates some of the most beautiful string music in a gripping yet relaxing fashion. What is it with these string quartets and how they always seem to capture my deepest sadnesses and frustrations? Assuredly it does this for others as well.

This beautiful movement starts out with a somber portion in B minor. This melodic theme kicks it off (D, C#, B, F#, B, A) and this theme carries on throughout the whole movement in various guises.  It is a bitter sweet piece, one that presumably would be signifying the loss of a loved one and the lament of hard times. It certainly grabs at the heart strings.

I would recommend this to who ever likes serious melody and harmonies interplaying together. This belongs up there with Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings in the category of beauty. It has that since of longing like the latter adagio has. It is one to keep in mind.