Charlie is 15 human years old and he is still considered a puppy.
This is something of a companion piece to the previous quartet, but it’s in a sunny E-flat. The “allegro” in 4/4 time starts with hunting horn figures on the string instruments, not surprising as the valveless hunting horn of the era was pitched in E-flat. The second subject in B-flat is stated first by the violin and then by the piano. This video skips the exposition repeat and goes directly into the development section, which races through the flat keys. The recap arranges for the second subject to appear in the correct key of E-flat. The coda is short and leads to a bravura ending.
The slow movement in A-flat is marked “larghetto” in 3/8 time. This is another movement that could have come from the opera house. The central panel darkens and takes on a questioning air. The opening section returns.
The rondo finale in E-flat and 2/2 time is best known for being used in a cat food commercial, which is why this piece is sometimes called the “Friskies Quartet.” It was a good choice because the movement is very catlike and playful. The passage at 18:00 is hilarious. It wraps up with a bang.
See you tomorrow night for more String Trio + 1.