Ravel - String Quartet in F major, Movement 1 (Ocarina of Time Soundfont)

As requested by sea otter, I'll cover Ravel's String Quartet in F major with the Ocarina of Time soundfont, starting with its first movement. Inspired by a string quartet by his senior Debussy, Ravel composed one of his own that's similar in both structure and style, but altogether original in content. In doing so, we were provided with one of the finest chamber music masterpieces of the 20th century. It is also effective as a general showcase of Ravel's art. Each of its four movements is strongly individual and explores the possibilities of a string quartet ensemble in different ways. All of them employ the beautiful harmonic language that was the specialty of both Debussy and Ravel, which many would go on to call "Impressionism". The first movement is a concise and highly effective example of sonata form. The exposition begins with the movement's main theme, a broad F major melody that climbs upward only to almost immediately modulate someplace else (0:08) and then descend towards a beautifully dark G minor chord. The secondary theme presents a noticeable contrast, most easily noticed in its being in a minor key and somewhat restless disposition (1:49). A startling modulation (2:19), along with a steady, somewhat sneaky return of the main theme, leads the exposition to a close. The development begins with shimmering strings carrying us high into a thoroughly different place (2:53). At first, neither of the two themes we heard thus far are heard here, but the main theme once again sneaks back into the proceedings and takes center stage, though now in a decidedly more conflicted context (3:53). The arrival of the recapitulation is given due preparation and is all the more satisfying for it (4:28). The events here stay largely loyal to the exposition, but only in content; the harmonic changes and touches are all quite different. Whether there is a coda or not is debatable, as the reprise of the main theme this time leads seamlessly into the movement's conclusion. String Quartet in F major I. Allegro moderato – très doux Composer: Maurice Ravel Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Movement 2:    • Ravel - String Quartet in F major, Movemen...   Movement 3:    • Ravel - String Quartet in F major, Movemen...   Movement 4:    • Ravel - String Quartet in F major, Movemen...