Description
Quintet No. 11, like Quintet No. 26, is cast in a two-movement framework. The opening movement of Quintet No. 11 is built around a lyrical triple-meter theme; the contrast between the sections of the movement is derived mainly from the A major / A minor dichotomy. This heartfelt theme is then modified to serve as the basic motivic material for the refrains of the rondo form in the C major Vivace (2 / 4). It is in this movement that the double bass has an opportunity to demonstrate its virtuosic side; the couplets of the rondo serve as vehicles through which Dragonetti would have been able to demonstrate his considerable technical prowess on the instrument. Further, in the Classical style, returns of the refrain are occasionally introduced by improvisatory Eingänge in the solo double-bass part (indicated in the score by a fermata), providing the performer with opportunities for spontaneously generated virtuosic embellishments.