The quartet opens strongly with a dramatic motif and octave jumps, then goes through many moods to a quiet end. The slow second movement is more lyrical and reflective. A scherzo follows, with alternating bowed and plucked passages and a lively beat. The finale returns to the dramatic mood of the first movement, developing through many moods, and ending joyfully.

The first movement begins harmoniously with a melody incorporating a double-sixteenth note pattern that is heard throughout the movement. The second movement features mournful solos, interrupted by the middle section, a country dance with pizzicato strings. The third movement is in waltz rhythm, with the instruments sounding in layers. The finale is introduced with a dramatic octave jump, which becomes a motif for the movement.

The String Quintet adds a contrabass to the standard string quartet for extra richness and depth. It is the basis of the Symphony for Strings in G Major. The first movement begins with tutti instruments and double-stops on the low strings. Rich melodies ensue, a 4-part fugue is heard, and the movement ends with a short coda. The second movement, labeled Andantino, is a poignant song (featuring the contrabass), with a lyrical, more upbeat contrasting middle section. The third movement is a Scherzo, with both rapid riffs and melodic interludes. The fourth movement's Adagio introduction soon yields to the Allegro moderato section, featuring a lilting pattern of double instruments in thirds. A chorale melody follows, and the movement works through all these themes to bring it to a rousing finale.

This short duet for two violins begins with a simple melody in C Major, followed by a more energetic section in A Minor, and finally returning to the simple melody in either A Minor or C Major, depending on which part you are listening to. The piece ends, a la Bach, in A Major.