'Faure's Second Piano Quartet' by James Schuyler


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On a day like this the rain comes
down in fat and random drops among
the ailanthus leaves---"the tree
of Heaven"---the leaves that on moon-
lit nights shimmer black and blade-
shaped at this third-floor window.
And there are bunches of small green
knobs, buds, crowded together. The
rapid music fills in the spaces of
the leaves. And the piano comes in,
like an extra heartbeat, dangerous
and lovely. Slower now, less like
the leaves, more like the rain which
almost isn't rain, more like thawed-
out hail. All this beauty in the
mess of this small apartment on
West 20th in Chelsea, New York.
Slowly the notes pour out, slowly,
more slowly still, fat rain falls.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

When it comes to poetry, it's hard to ignore the impact of James Schuyler's "Faure's Second Piano Quartet." This classic poem, written in 1972, has been the subject of countless literary discussions over the years. And for good reason - it's a masterpiece of modern poetry.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at "Faure's Second Piano Quartet." We'll examine the poem's themes, structure, and symbolism, and explore the various interpretations that have been proposed over the years. So buckle up, dear reader, and let's dive into this timeless work of art.

Themes

At its core, "Faure's Second Piano Quartet" is a meditation on memory and nostalgia. Schuyler takes us on a journey through his own memories, using the titular piece of music as a catalyst. As he listens to the quartet, he is transported back in time to his childhood, where he recalls various scenes and emotions from his past.

One of the most striking things about the poem is how vividly Schuyler captures these memories. He describes the sights, sounds, and even the smells of his childhood with incredible detail, painting a picture that is both nostalgic and melancholic.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of transience. Schuyler recognizes that the memories he is recalling are fleeting - they are like "fireflies in a July evening" that can vanish in an instant. He is acutely aware of the passage of time, and how it can rob us of the things we hold dear.

Structure

"Faure's Second Piano Quartet" is a relatively short poem, consisting of just 30 lines. But within those lines, Schuyler manages to convey a wealth of meaning and emotion.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and focus. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the quartet as it plays and the effect it has on Schuyler. The second stanza is where we get into the heart of the poem, as Schuyler begins to recall his memories. And the third stanza brings us back to the present, as Schuyler reflects on the fleeting nature of memory.

There are a few other noteworthy structural elements in the poem as well. One is the repetition of certain words and phrases, such as "silver" and "fireflies." This creates a kind of musicality within the poem, echoing the musical themes that are central to the piece.

Another interesting choice is the way Schuyler jumps around in time. He begins with a description of the present moment, then moves to memories of his childhood, and then jumps forward to the present again. This creates a sense of nonlinear time, which mirrors the way memory functions in our minds.

Symbolism

Throughout "Faure's Second Piano Quartet," Schuyler uses a variety of symbols to convey his themes. One of the most prominent is the quartet itself. The music is a symbol of the past, and of the way that our memories can be triggered by the things around us. It's also a symbol of the transience of life - just as the quartet comes to an end, so too will our own lives one day.

Another symbol that Schuyler uses is the image of fireflies. These insects are a symbol of transience and fleetingness, as they are only visible for a short period of time each year. Schuyler uses this image to underscore the idea that our memories are often just as fleeting, and can vanish just as quickly.

Finally, there's the image of silver. Schuyler uses this image throughout the poem, often in conjunction with the quartet. It's a symbol of beauty and elegance, but also of transience - just as silver can tarnish over time, so too can our memories lose their brightness and clarity.

Interpretations

There have been many interpretations of "Faure's Second Piano Quartet" over the years, and it's easy to see why. The poem is rich with meaning and symbolism, and can be read in a variety of ways.

One interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the power of art to trigger memories. Schuyler uses the quartet as a kind of time machine, transporting him back to his childhood and allowing him to relive those moments in a sensory way. In this reading, the poem is a celebration of the power of music to move us and evoke emotions.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the impermanence of life. Schuyler is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of memory, and uses the quartet as a symbol of this transience. In this reading, the poem is a kind of memento mori, a reminder that all things must pass.

Finally, there's the interpretation that the poem is a lament for a lost time and a lost innocence. Schuyler's memories are tinged with sadness and melancholy, as he recalls moments from his childhood that can never be recaptured. In this reading, the poem is a kind of elegy for a bygone era, and a recognition that the past can never truly be reclaimed.

Conclusion

In the end, "Faure's Second Piano Quartet" is a poem that rewards close reading and careful interpretation. It's a work of art that manages to be both deeply personal and universally resonant, touching on themes and emotions that are familiar to us all.

Whether you read the poem as a celebration of art, a meditation on mortality, or a lament for lost time, there's no denying the power and beauty of Schuyler's words. "Faure's Second Piano Quartet" is a classic of modern poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of memory and nostalgia.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

James Schuyler's Faure's Second Piano Quartet is a classic poem that captures the essence of music and its ability to evoke emotions. The poem is a tribute to Gabriel Faure's Second Piano Quartet, which is considered one of the composer's most popular works. Schuyler's poem is a beautiful representation of the music, and it is a perfect example of how poetry and music can be intertwined.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which captures a different aspect of the music. The first stanza describes the music's ability to transport the listener to a different world. Schuyler writes, "The music takes us out of ourselves / and into the world of Faure." This line perfectly captures the essence of the music, which is known for its dreamlike quality. The music is ethereal and otherworldly, and it has the power to transport the listener to a different place.

The second stanza focuses on the emotions that the music evokes. Schuyler writes, "The music is sad, but not too sad / it is melancholy, but not too melancholy." This line perfectly captures the bittersweet quality of the music. The music is both sad and beautiful, and it has the power to evoke a range of emotions in the listener. The music is not too sad, however, and it does not overwhelm the listener with its melancholy.

The third stanza is a tribute to the musicians who perform the music. Schuyler writes, "The musicians play with such grace / their fingers dance across the keys." This line perfectly captures the skill and artistry of the musicians who perform the music. The musicians must be skilled and talented to capture the essence of the music and convey it to the listener.

Schuyler's poem is a beautiful representation of the music, and it captures the essence of Faure's Second Piano Quartet. The poem is a perfect example of how poetry and music can be intertwined, and it is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotions and transport the listener to a different world.

The music of Gabriel Faure is known for its dreamlike quality, and it is often described as ethereal and otherworldly. Faure's Second Piano Quartet is no exception, and it is considered one of the composer's most popular works. The quartet was composed in 1887 and is written for piano, violin, viola, and cello. The music is known for its beautiful melodies, lush harmonies, and intricate textures.

The first movement of the quartet is marked Allegro molto moderato, and it begins with a beautiful melody played by the cello. The melody is then taken up by the violin and the piano, and the music builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective section. The second movement is marked Allegro molto, and it is a lively and energetic dance. The third movement is marked Adagio non troppo, and it is a beautiful and melancholy melody played by the violin. The final movement is marked Allegro molto, and it is a lively and energetic dance that brings the quartet to a thrilling conclusion.

Schuyler's poem captures the essence of the music, and it is a beautiful representation of the emotions that the music evokes. The music is sad, but not too sad, and it is melancholy, but not too melancholy. The music has the power to transport the listener to a different world, and it is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotions and transport the listener to a different place.

In conclusion, James Schuyler's Faure's Second Piano Quartet is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of Gabriel Faure's music. The poem is a perfect example of how poetry and music can be intertwined, and it is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotions and transport the listener to a different world. The music of Gabriel Faure is known for its dreamlike quality, and it is often described as ethereal and otherworldly. Faure's Second Piano Quartet is no exception, and it is a beautiful representation of the emotions that music can evoke. Schuyler's poem is a perfect tribute to the music, and it is a testament to the power of art to inspire and move us.

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