Quartet in E Minor

This Quartet, written in 1876, has an autobiographical significance as explained by the composer in his letter dated April 12, 1878. The first movement depicts Smetana's love of Art in his youth, his search for the imaginary, and the premonition of his approaching illness. The second movement, "Quasi-Polka", refers to the carefree days of his youth and his passionate love for dancing at the period when he composed many dances. The third movement, "Largo Sostenuto", portrays his idyllic love for a young girl who later became his spouse. The fourth movement pictures the composer rejoicing over the recognition attained by Bohemian National Music and its achieved success. A sudden sustained high E indicates the noise in the composer's ears prior to his deafness. Then follows a painful recollection of his youthful days, a ray of hope against hope which gives way to resignation before the inevitable destiny. - p. 2 of Violin I part.