In a string quartet, which movement is generally the fastest and serves as the first movement?

In a string quartet, the first movement is typically characterized as the fastest section. This movement often sets the tone for the entire piece and is usually composed in sonata form, featuring distinct themes that are developed and contrasted. The lively tempo not only captures the audience’s attention but also showcases the technical skill and dynamic interplay between the instruments.

The other choices do not fit the traditional structure of a string quartet's first movement. A slow movement, while important, would typically be found later in the quartet and not as the initial statement. Moderately fast may describe certain movements that appear later in the work but does not reflect the common practice. A coda, on the other hand, serves as a concluding passage and is not a standalone movement. Therefore, identifying the first movement as a fast movement aligns with the traditional compositions of string quartets.