The work grows from a five-note motif, C–D–E–B–C, which contains the four pitch-classes of the composer's musical monogram: DSCH (E being Es and B being H in German). This motif appears in a number of his other string quartets, including String Quartet No.
The work is derived from a five-note motif, C–D–E–B–C, which represents the four pitch classes found in the composer's musical signature: DSCH (E being Es and B being H in German). This motif appears in several of his other string quartets.