Hill began composing this quartet while he was studying in Leipzig Conservatory (between 1887 and 1891), but the two middle movements (Adagio and Scherzo)[1] were later (after 1896) substituted with new music incorporating Māori ideas.
The 1896 as terminus post quem for this quartet is also based on the composition of Hinemoa: it was by its success that Hill became fond of incorporating Māori tunes into his music.
Its first subject (in B-flat major) consists of two parts: a slow (Moderato) and a fast (Allegro), both played twice.
It is a sorrowful melody in G minor with a contrasting middle section in fast tempo (Con moto).
It is the longest movement of the quartet and its coda (Animato) provides a splendid conclusion for the whole piece.