Background

Prokofiev, along with other Soviet artists, was evacuated from the major cities when the Nazis broke their non-aggression pact and invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. On August 8, 1941, Prokofiev traveled to Nalchik

Nalchik

Nalchik is the capital city of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia, situated at an altitude of in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains; about northwest of Beslan in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania. It covers an area of...

 with other artists, among them his friend, musician Myaskovsky, actors, such as Chechov's widow, and others. Prokofiev stayed in the town of Nalchik, the provincial capital of the Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous SSR

Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

The Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was an autonomous republic of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in the former Soviet Union, originally part of the Mountain Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. On 16 January 1922 the region was detached from the Mountain...

, in the North Caucasus, about 900 miles south of Moscow (bordered by the European Russia, Turkey, and the Black and Caspian Seas). During this stay, Prokofiev was told by a government official to write a quartet using Kabardino-Balkar

Balkars

The Balkars are a Turkic people of the Caucasus region, one of the titular populations of Kabardino-Balkaria. They are possibly Bulgars or are descended from them...

 folk themes and wrote this string quartet, with themes based on folk tunes, rhythms and textures.

This quartet, along with the first, has entered the repertory of many string quartets.

Movements

The string quartet, lasting for 20–25 minutes, is in three movements:

1. Allegro sostenuto
2. Adagio
3. Allegro - Andante Molto - Allegro I

Analysis

Prokofiev utilized Kabardino-Balkar folk themes in his string quartet, while at the same retaining his unique style of harmonization. The folk music character is made evident by the string quartet's imitation of oriental plucked and percussion instruments, combined with resourceful use of sonic effects. The background accompaniment in the second movement attempts to imitate the playing of a Caucasian stringed instrument, the kjamantchi.

Nikolai Myaskovsky

Nikolai Myaskovsky

Nikolai Yakovlevich Myaskovsky was a Russian and Soviet composer. He is sometimes referred to as the "father of the Soviet symphony".-Early years and first important works:...

, Prokofiev's close friend, wrote two works on Kabardino-Balkar themes, his 23rd symphony and 7th string quartet. The symphony shares a theme with the finale of Prokofiev's quartet.

Premiere

7 April 1942, Beethoven Quartet, Moscow or
September 5, 1942, Beethoven Quartet, Moscow, Russia

The September 5th concert was delayed by a Nazi air raid and started late. Prokofiev thought it "an extremely turbulent success."

Recommended Recordings

• Prokofiev: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2; Cello Sonata / Aurora Quartet / 1994 / Naxos Records
  Naxos Records
  Naxos Records is a record label specializing in classical music. Through a number of imprints, Naxos also releases genres including Chinese music, jazz, world music, and early rock & roll. The company was founded in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, a German-born resident of Hong Kong.Naxos is the largest...
  
  
• Shostakovich: String Quartets Nos. 3 and No. 7; Prokofiev: String Quartet No. 2 / The Kopelman Quartet / Nimbus Records