Cypresses (Dvořák; quartet version)

Cypresses is a string quartet by Antonín Dvořák. It is a revision and arrangement of his song cycle of the same name, originally for voice and piano. The cycle consists of 12 pieces.

The original song cycle, Cypresses, was composed in 1865, drawing inspiration from eighteen love poems by Gustav Pfleger Moravský. Dvořák selected twelve of these poems and set them to music, creating songs reflecting various aspects of love – longing, unrequited passion, and reminiscence. These early settings reflect Dvořák's youthful romanticism.

Much later, in 1887, Dvořák reworked the song cycle into a string quartet, also titled Cypresses. While the melodies remain largely faithful to the original songs, the quartet version allows for a different exploration of the emotional landscape through the interplay of the four instruments. The string quartet version of Cypresses is characterized by its lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies, and rich textures. The pieces are generally short and intimate, conveying a sense of personal reflection.

The movements retain descriptive titles related to the themes of the original poems, hinting at the underlying narrative of love and loss. While not programmatic in a strict sense, the titles provide context for understanding the emotional content of each movement. Cypresses stands as an example of Dvořák's ability to adapt his compositions across different musical forms, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of both vocal and instrumental writing. The work is often performed as a complete cycle, but individual movements are also sometimes programmed separately in recitals.