Haydn: String Quartets Op.20/4-6

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 27 in D major, Op. 20/4, H. 3/34
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn


2. String Quartet No. 23 in F minor, Op. 20/5, H. 3/35
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn


3. String Quartet No. 24 in A major, Op. 20/6, H. 3/36
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn


Haydn: String Quartets Op.20/4-6, Music, Franz Joseph Haydn, Chamber, Classical, Quartet for Four String Instruments
Haydn: Complete String Quartets
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A superb Haydn benchmark
  • Perfect Dinner Music
  • Delightful Background Music
  • He truly is the father of string quartets!
  • A matter of taste?
Haydn: Complete String Quartets
Angeles String Quartet
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
  3. Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas
  4. Schubert: The String Quartets
  5. Liszt: Piano Works

ASIN: B0000501PC
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: I. Presto
  2. Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: II. Menuetto
  3. Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: III. Adagio
  4. Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: IV. Menuetto
  5. Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: V. Finale: Presto
  6. Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: I. Presto
  7. Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: II. Menuetto
  8. Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: III. Adagio
  9. Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: IV. Menuetto
  10. Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: V. Presto
  11. Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: I. Allegro
  12. Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: II. Menuetto
  13. Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: III. Adagio
  14. Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: IV. Menuetto
  15. Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: V. Presto
  16. Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: I. Adagio
  17. Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: II. Menuetto
  18. Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: III. Presto
  19. Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: IV. Menuetto
  20. Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: V. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: I. Presto
  2. Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: II. Menuetto
  3. Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: III. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
  4. Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: IV. Menuetto
  5. Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: V. Presto
  6. Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: I. Presto Assai
  7. Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: II. Menuetto
  8. Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: III. Adagio
  9. Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: IV. Menuetto
  10. Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: V. Finale: Presto
  11. Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: I. Allegro
  12. Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: II. Menuetto
  13. Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: III. Adagio
  14. Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: IV. Menuetto
  15. Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: V. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: I. Allegro Molto
  2. Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: II. Menuetto
  3. Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: III. Adagio
  4. Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: IV. Menuetto
  5. Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: V. Finale: Presto
  6. Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: I. Presto
  7. Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: II. Menuetto
  8. Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: III. Adagio
  9. Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: IV Menuetto: Allegretto
  10. Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: V. Allegro
  11. Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: I. Adagio
  12. Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: II. Menuetto
  13. Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: III. Presto: Scherzo
  14. Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: IV. Menuetto
  15. Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: V. Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: I. Moderato
  2. Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: II. Menuetto: Un Poco Allegretto
  3. Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: III. Adagio
  4. Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
  5. Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: I. Moderato
  6. Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: II. Menuetto
  7. Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: III. Adagio
  8. Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
  9. Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: I. Allegro Moderato
  10. Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: II. Menuetto
  11. Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: III. Largo
  12. Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto
  13. Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: I. Moderato
  14. Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: II. Menuetto
  15. Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
  16. Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: I. Poco Adagio: Theme And Vars
  2. Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
  3. Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: III. Largo Cantabile
  4. Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
  5. Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: I. Presto
  6. Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: II. Menuetto
  7. Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: III. Adagio
  8. Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: IV. Finale: Presto
  9. Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: I. Moderato
  10. Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: II. Menuet
  11. Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: III. Adagio
  12. Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
  13. Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: I. Moderato
  14. Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: II. Menuet: Poco Allegretto
  15. Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: III. Adagio
  16. Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: I. Andante Grazioso
  2. Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
  3. Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: III. Adagio
  4. Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto
  5. Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: I. Moderato
  6. Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: II. Menuet: Allegretto
  7. Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
  8. Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: IV. Finale: Allegro
  9. Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: I. Moderato
  10. Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
  11. Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: III. Adagio
  12. Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
  13. Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: I. Presto
  14. Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: II. Menuet
  15. Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: III. Largo
  16. Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
  2. Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: II. Menuet: Un Poco Allegretto
  3. Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: III. Affettuoso E Sostenuto
  4. Str Qt in E flat, Op.20 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
  5. Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: I. Moderato
  6. Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: II. Capriccio: Adagio
  7. Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: III. Menuet: Allegretto
  8. Str Qt in C, Op.20 No.2: IV. Fuga A Quattro Soggeti: Allegro
  9. Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: I. Allegro Con Spirito
  10. Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
  11. Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: III. Poco Adagio
  12. Str Qt in g, Op.20 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: I. Allegro Di Molto
  2. Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: II. Un Poco Adagio E Affettuoso
  3. Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: II. Menuet Alla Zingarese
  4. Str Qt in D, Op.20 No.4: IV. Presto E Scherzando
  5. Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: I. Moderato
  6. Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: II. Menuet
  7. Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: III. Adagio
  8. Str Qt in f, Op.20 No.5: IV. Fuga A Due Soggetti
  9. Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: I. Allegro Di Molto E Scherzando
  10. Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: II. Adagio
  11. Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: III. Menuetto
  12. Str Qt in A, Op.20 No.6: IV. Fuga A Tre Soggetti: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
  2. Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: II. Scherzo: Allegro
  3. Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: III. Andante
  4. Str Qt in b, Op.33 No.1: IV. Presto
  5. Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': I. Allegro Moderato, Cantabile
  6. Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': II. Scherzo: Allegro
  7. Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': III. Largo Sostenuto
  8. Str Qt in E flat, Op.33 No.2 'The Joke': IV. Finale: Presto
  9. Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': I. Allegro Moderato
  10. Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': II. Scherzo: Allegretto
  11. Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': III. Adagio
  12. Str Qt in C, Op.33 No.3 'The Bird': IV. Rondo: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: I. Allegro Moderato
  2. Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
  3. Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: III. Largo
  4. Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: IV. Presto
  5. Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: I. Vivace Assai
  6. Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: II. Largo E Cantabile
  7. Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: III. Scherzo: Allegro
  8. Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: IV. Finale: Allegretto
  9. Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: I. Vivace Assai
  10. Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: II. Andante
  11. Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: III. Scherzo: Allegretto
  12. Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegretto
  13. Str Qt in d, Op.42: I. Andante Ed Innocentemente
  14. Str Qt in d, Op.42: II. Menuet
  15. Str Qt in d, Op.42: III. Adagio E Cantabile
  16. Str Qt in d, Op.42: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: I. Allegro
  2. Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: II. Adagio Non Lento
  3. Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: III. Poco Allegretto
  4. Str Qt in B flat, Op.50 No.1: IV. Finale: Vivace
  5. Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: I. Vivace
  6. Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: II. Adagio Cantabile
  7. Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. Str Qt in C, Op.50 No.2: IV. Finale: Vivace Assai
  9. Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: I. Allegro Con Brio
  10. Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: II. Andante Piu Tosto Allegretto
  11. Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. Str Qt in E flat, Op.50 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: I. Allegro Spirito
  2. Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: II. Andante
  3. Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: III. Menuetto
  4. Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: IV. Fuga: Allegro Moderato
  5. Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: I. Allegro Moderato
  6. Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: II. Poco Adagio
  7. Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: III. Menuetto
  8. Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: IV. Finale: Vivace
  9. Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': I. Allegro
  10. Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': II. Poco Adagio
  11. Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: I. Vivace Assai
  2. Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: II. Allegretto
  3. Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: III. Menuet
  4. Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: IV. Vivace
  5. Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: I. Vivace
  6. Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: II. Adagio -
  7. Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: IV. Adagio
  9. Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: I. Allegretto
  10. Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: II. Largo
  11. Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: I. Allegro
  2. Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: II. Adagio Cantabile
  3. Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: III. Menuet
  4. Str Qt in A, Op.55 No.1: IV. Finale: Vivace
  5. Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': I. Andante
  6. Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': II. Allegro
  7. Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. Str Qt in f, Op.55 No.2 'The Razor': IV. Presto
  9. Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: I. Vivace Assai
  10. Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
  11. Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: III. Menuetto
  12. Str Qt in B flat, Op.55 No.3: IV. Presto

Tracks:

  1. Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: I. Allegro Moderato
  2. Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: II. Menuet: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  3. Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: III. Allegretto Scherzando
  4. Str Qt in C, Op.64 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
  5. Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: I. Allegro Spirito
  6. Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
  7. Str Qt in b, Op.64 No.3: III. Menuet: Allegretto -

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

A massive set--67 string quartets on 21 discs in a budget-priced, shelf-friendly, compact box. So the obvious question is: do you need it? The equally obvious answer is a resounding "yes" if you love these endlessly inventive quartets and if you appreciate superbly played performances that capture both the letter and the spirit of Haydn's genius. The Angeles String Quartet isn't as well known as some ensembles that have recorded complete Haydn sets, but they are superior to all, with the arguable exception of the Tatrai Quartet. They demonstrate technical polish and rich, warm sound that's never cloying. And they give these works the forward-moving impetus they need within a classical framework, eschewing both anachronistic Romanticism and the mechanical astringency of period specialists.

The Angeles Quartet is unique in its mastery of early as well as late works, in tune with Haydn's stylistic development and sensitive to the attractions of each of these remarkable pieces. So they infuse the visionary slow movements of the late quartets with the appropriate depth and at the same time revel in the muscularity of the Opus 76 No.2's catchy Menuetto, the humor of the "Joke" Quartet, Opus 33 No.2, and the power of the Allegro con spirito of Opus 76 No.1. Most impressive is their way with the early quartets--no small matter when you consider that the contents of the first six discs precede the Opus 20 set generally considered as signaling the maturity of the form. The Angeles make even the earliest quartets, five-movement divertimentos for four strings, a habit-forming delight. Their playing here is full of exuberance, wittily playful and rough, peasantlike by turns. The sonics are outstanding, too, well-balanced, warm, and lifelike. An indispensable recording. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A superb Haydn benchmark.......2007-06-28

It takes a lot of time to grasp Haydn's music, because there's much of everything: symphonies, piano sonatas, operas, piano trios, string quartets, choral works, songs, etc. - in sum, more than one thousand individual works. It will probably take more than a year listening to it all, and comprehend it as well (i.e., not as "background music"). Few, if any person, can have a complete grasp of everything he wrote.

But there are nonetheless good reasons trying to grasp Haydn's music, at least partly. This bargain set - 68 string quartets on 21 CDs - is a perfectly good reason. Haydn's string quartets contain some of his finest music. And the present recordings with Angeles Quartet are simply superb. Unlike many period instrument performers, Angeles Quartet avoids meticulous mannerism and plays this music with energy and passion, without loosing structural control. Furthermore, the recordings are excellent, with a rich, creamy and spacious sound. In short, great performances and excellent engineering. A benchmark recording, no less.

There are some rival complete sets: Aeolian Quartet (Decca), Festetics Quartet (period instrument performances, Arcana), Tátrai (Hungaroton), and Kodaly Quartet (Naxos). In terms of sound, the present set is clearly preferable. In terms of performances, the only serious rival is Tátrai Quartet's classic collection from the sixties. But Angeles Quartet is not a second choice. If you hesitate, you need both. Budget and shelf space minded collectors need not hesitate.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect Dinner Music.......2007-05-14

Some might be offended at the idea that music be played in the background to accompany a fine meal, but in fact most of us listen to music in the background. This entire set of 15-CDs is (to my ears) the perfect music to accompany a delicious meal with someone you love. I have owned this CD set for years and never tire of it.

I have found that after listening to it hundreds of times that using iTunes in shuffle mode keeps it fresh.

5 out of 5 stars Delightful Background Music.......2006-03-04

This music is a great buy, and wonderful to listen to while doing desk work or reading.

The Angeles String Quartet does an excellent job, and all of the works are so tuneful that I frequently found myself walking around the house humming the tunes after hearing a quartet for the first time.

5 out of 5 stars He truly is the father of string quartets!.......2005-09-27

This may not be true as far as the instrumentation is concerned, but Haydn is one of the first to explore them as more than a solo violin with a trio accompaniment (second violin, viola and cello), thus giving the chamber music a new dimension.

If you've already explored Haydn's universe through some of his glorious symphonies, these string quartets are an excellent way of further expanding your appreciation of Haydn's music. There are very few dull moments in this lot (and almost all of them are to be found in his early quartets, while there are a few in his very latest works, where he seems to have lost the energy and brio that had established him as one of the best composers of his time). His first works have five movements and ressemble the divertimenti or serenatas. Later on, his quartets took a form which was to become standard, both for Haydn and other composers: four movements - a fast one, a slow one, a minuet and trio and a fast finale.

If one listens to Haydn's string quartes in chronological order, one can feel and appreciate his growth and maturity as a composer. The motives introduced during the first movement are developed over the entire work entity, the increasing use of first movements that are monothematic, the expansion of harmonic usage, the combination of serious with funny, intellectual with ridicule, etc.

Both Mozart and Beethoven wrote famous series of string quartets, but I've always liked Haydn's quartets the most. My personal favorites are op. 76 (especially no 3, which later on became the German National Anthem), op. 64 (especially no 5 called "The lark") and op. 33 (where Haydn introduced special effects, like a birdcall, which gave the third quartet its name).

3 out of 5 stars A matter of taste?.......2005-05-31

It is something unpleasant about the sound here; it is resonant, yes, but not like the Takacs quartet. Comparing to the Takacs' take on op.76/1, 2 & 3, which I love, the Angeles' makes me think of a grey substance, sterile, antiseptic, of no life. Is it the sound quality? Or is it the way the quartet is playing? I think the latter, but it is difficult to figure out what is wrong; in fact I don't find any serious miscalculations. The problem is that the playing feels calculated; it is some kind of contrived perfection, it all feels too concious; I feel something wrong about the accent, the stress of the phrasings... but I give up: Suffice it to say that I regret I bought this collection of boring performances. Three stars for professional playing. If you like some human touch, go for the Aeolian quartet, less perfection, more life.
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 20 nos 4-6
  • Lifetime listening pleasure
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. String Quartets Op. 20, 1-3
  2. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
  3. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 1, No. 2 "The Joke", No. 5 "How do you do?"
  4. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
  5. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"

ASIN: B0000013WN
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Allegro di molto
  2. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Un poco adagio e affettuoso
  3. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Menuet alla Zingarese: Allegretto
  4. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Presto e scherzando
  5. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Moderato
  6. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Menuet
  7. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Adagio
  8. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Finale: Fuga a due soggetti
  9. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Allegro di molto e scherzando
  10. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Adagio
  11. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Menuet
  12. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Fuga con tre soggetti

Amazon.com

Haydn's String Quartet in F minor, Op. 20 No. 5, is the first piece of tragic music composed in the classical period, and it shows that in Haydn's hands this new musical language would be capable of the widest range of expression. It's a lesson that Mozart and Beethoven took to heart. But these quartets aren't all gloom and doom--far from it. Op. 20 No. 4, for example, contains a Hungarian Minuet that features one of the composer's many excursions into the territory of folk music, and it ends with a zippy finale that's positively toe-tapping. Unlike many composers, when Haydn broadens the range of musical expression, he always carries his listeners with him. As you can hear for yourself, it's a musical trip worth taking. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 20 nos 4-6.......2006-12-07

In his discussion of Haydn's string quartets in the invaluable Oxford Composer Companion's "Haydn", Professor Simon McVeigh of the University of London observes (p. 293): "Haydn's mastery of the quartet genre is one of the most telling and celebrated achievements in the history of Western music. His innate understanding of the grammar and syntax of musical style in the second half of the 18th century was unrivalled and his quartets are a continual exploration of this mastery of language, all the more effective because it is articulated by four players." This recording by the Kodaly Quartet shows that Haydn's quartets amply deserve McVeigh's high praise. This CD, part of a cycle of Haydn's complete string quartets on Naxos, includes the final three quartets of a series of six that Haydn composed in 1772, known as the "Sun" quartets.

Haydn had composed at least 22 quartets before the opus 20 set. But in the the opus 20 quartets, Haydn put the form on a new course. He changed it from a rather lightweight divertemento style of chamber music featuring solo instruments to the intimate and expressive style that made the quartet the most weighty and serious form in art music. In their variety of emotional tones, their close part-writing among the voices, their combination of galant and serene writing with learned fugal movements, the opus 20 quartets set a standard for the genre that has rarely been surpassed. Beethoven and Brahms are among the musicians who valued these quartets. As a young man in Vienna, Beethoven copied the scores of these quartets in 1793-1794 to study and learn from them. Brahms, a collector and music scholar as well as composer, at one time owned the autographs of the set.

The first work on this CD and the fourth quartet of the set is in D major. It begins in a serene, elevated tone and ends in a movement of jollity and humor. The opening allegro, as does much of Haydn, develops from a single lengthy theme stated at the beginning of the movement. It is a movement both accessible and subtle. The slow movement is in the minor key and consists of a theme followed by three variations, in which the second violin, viola, and cello, respectively have the leads, followed by a return and elaboration of the opening material. The third movement is a "Menuet alla Zingarese" that foreshadows Brahms in its use of gypsy material and strong syncopations. The finale is again based upon a single theme and brings the work to a lively, brilliant close.

Of the opus 20 quartets, both the third and the fifth are in the minor key. The fifth quartet in F minor contrasts markedly with the fourth quartet in its sad, plaintive character. With the exception of the trio of the minuet, placed as the second movement, the work remains in the minor key throughout. The work opens with a long, slow, and sad theme given largely to the first violin. The angular minuet, also in the minor, continues the sorrowful feeling of the work. The third movement remains sad, but in a lyrical way, with long high passages for the first violin decorating the rocking theme presented by the three other voices of the quartet. The highlight of this work is the fugal finale, rooted solidly in the minor key with two subjects, which brings the quartet to a learned and passionate close.

The final quartet of the series, in A major, shares with its predecessor a learned fugal finale. But in other respects, the work is entirely different. It is in a humorous, happy mood, and first two movements of the quartet emphasize the role of the first violin more than do its companions. Both the opening allegro and the following adagio include concertante, virtuosic passages for the solo violinist. The minuet includes an unusual direction from Haydn requiring the first violin, viola, and cello to play only on the lowest string of their instruments. After these three galant-style movement, the work concludes with a learned three-subject fugue. As always, Haydn wears his learning and skill lightly. The work is a delight.

This CD, and the companion volume by the Kodaly Quartet of the first three quartets of opus 20, make an ideal introduction to the Haydn string quartets and to the joy and intimacy of making music.

Robin Friedman

5 out of 5 stars Lifetime listening pleasure.......2001-06-11

This version by the Kodaly Quartet is recorded to perfection, well balanced and clear. The musicians allow the music to speak, rather than imposing an idiosyncratic interpretation. Besides, it's a bargain at this price.
Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Many Hours of Magnificent Listening Pleasure
Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)
Kodly Quartet
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004SSJF
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76, No. 1, Hob. III: 75: Allegro con spirito
  2. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76, No. 1, Hob. III: 75: Adagio sostenuto
  3. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76, No. 1, Hob. III: 75: Menuetto: Presto
  4. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76, No. 1, Hob. III: 75: Finale: Allegro ma non troppo
  5. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Hob. III: 76: Allegro
  6. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Hob. III: 76: Andante o piu tosto allegretto
  7. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Hob. III: 76: Menuetto: Allegro ma non troppo
  8. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Hob. III: 76: Vivace assai
  9. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76, No. 3, Hob. III: 77: Allegro
  10. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76, No. 3, Hob. III: 77: Poco adagio, cantabile
  11. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76, No. 3, Hob. III: 77: Menuetto: Allegro
  12. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76, No. 3, Hob. III: 77: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4, Hob. III: 78: Allegro con spirito
  2. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4, Hob. III: 78: Adagio
  3. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4, Hob. III: 78: Menuetto: Allegro
  4. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4, Hob. III: 78: Finale: Allegro ma non troppo
  5. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76, No. 5, Hob. III: 79: Allegretto - Allegro
  6. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76, No. 5, Hob. III: 79: Largo cantabile e mesto
  7. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76, No. 5, Hob. III: 79: Menuetto: Allegro
  8. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76, No. 5, Hob. III: 79: Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 6, Hob. III: 80: Allegretto - Allegro
  10. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 6, Hob. III: 80: Fantasia: Adagio
  11. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 6, Hob. III: 80: Menuetto: Presto
  12. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 6, Hob. III: 80: Finale: Allegro spirituoso

Tracks:

  1. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: L'Introduzione: Maestoso ed adagio
  2. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata I: Pater, dimitte illis, non enim sciunt, quid faciunt (Largo)
  3. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata II: Amen dico tibi: hodie mecum eris in paradiso (Grave e cantabile)
  4. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata III: Mullier, ecce fillus tuus, et tu, ecce mater tua! (Grave)
  5. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata IV: Eli, Eli, lama asabthani? (Largo)
  6. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata V: Sitio (Adagio)
  7. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata VI: Consummatum est! (Lento)
  8. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata VII: Peter! in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum - (Largo)
  9. The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Il terrmoto (Presto e con tutta la forza)
  10. String Quartet No. 68 In D Minor, Op. 103 Hob. III: 83: Andante graziso
  11. String Quartet No. 68 In D Minor, Op. 103 Hob. III: 83: Menuetto ma non troppo presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Allegro
  2. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Adagio
  3. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Menuetto: Allegretto
  4. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: (Finale): Vivace
  5. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Adagio-Allegro
  6. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Adagio (cantobile)
  7. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Finale: Allegretto
  9. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Vivace
  10. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Andante con moto
  11. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Menuetto
  12. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Finale: Vivace

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Vivace
  2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Adagio
  3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Menuetto: Allegretto
  4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Finale: Adagio-Presto-Adagio
  5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Allegro con brio
  6. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Allegretto
  7. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Allegro
  10. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Largo cantobile
  11. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74, No. 1, Hob. III: 72: Allegro (moderato)
  2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74, No. 1, Hob. III: 72: Andantino (grazioso)
  3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74, No. 1, Hob. III: 72: Menuetto: Allegro
  4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74, No. 1, Hob. III: 72: Finale: Vivace
  5. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74, No. 2, Hob. III: 73: Allegro spiritoso
  6. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74, No. 2, Hob. III: 73: Andadnte grazioso
  7. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74, No. 2, Hob. III: 73: Menuetto
  8. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74, No. 2, Hob. III: 73: Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 74, No. 3, Hob. III: 74: Allegro
  10. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 74, No. 3, Hob. III: 74: Largo assai
  11. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 74, No. 3, Hob. III: 74: Menuetto: (Allegretto)
  12. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 74, No. 3, Hob. III: 74: Finbale: Allegro con brio

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet No. 45 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 1, Hob. III: 60: Allegro
  2. String Quartet No. 45 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 1, Hob. III: 60: Adagio cantabile
  3. String Quartet No. 45 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 1, Hob. III: 60: Menuetto
  4. String Quartet No. 45 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 1, Hob. III: 60: Finale: Vivace
  5. String Quartet No. 46 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 2, Hob. III: 61 'The Razor': Andante o piu tosto allegretto
  6. String Quartet No. 46 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 2, Hob. III: 61 'The Razor': Allegro
  7. String Quartet No. 46 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 2, Hob. III: 61 'The Razor': Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet No. 46 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 2, Hob. III: 61 'The Razor': Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet No. 47 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 3, Hob. III: 62: Vivace assai
  10. String Quartet No. 47 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 3, Hob. III: 62: Adagio ma non troppo
  11. String Quartet No. 47 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 3, Hob. III: 62: Menuetto
  12. String Quartet No. 47 In A Major, Op. 55, No. 3, Hob. III: 62: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Presto
  2. String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Minuet
  3. String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Adagio
  4. String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Minuet
  5. String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Finale: Presto
  6. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Allegro molto
  7. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
  8. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Adagio
  9. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
  10. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Finale: Presto
  11. String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Adagio
  12. String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Minuet
  13. String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Scherzo: Presto
  14. String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Menuet
  15. String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Finale: Presto
  16. String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Presto
  17. String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Minuet
  18. String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Adagio ma non tanto
  19. String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Minuet
  20. String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Presto
  2. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Minuet
  3. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Adagio
  4. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Minuet
  5. String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Finale: Presto
  6. String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Presto assai
  7. String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Minuet
  8. String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Adagio
  9. String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Minuet
  10. String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Finale: Allegro
  11. String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Allegro
  12. String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Minuet
  13. String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Adagio
  14. String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Minuet
  15. String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Finale: Allegro molto
  16. String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Allegro molto
  17. String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Minuet
  18. String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Adagio
  19. String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Minuetto
  20. String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64, No. 1, Hob. III: 65: Allegro moderato
  2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64, No. 1, Hob. III: 65: Menuetto: Allegretto ma non troppo
  3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64, No. 1, Hob. III: 65: Allegretto scherzando
  4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64, No. 1, Hob. III: 65: Finale: Presto
  5. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64, No. 2, Hob. III: 68: Allegro spiritoso
  6. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64, No. 2, Hob. III: 68: Adagio ma non troppo
  7. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64, No. 2, Hob. III: 68: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64, No. 2, Hob. III: 68: Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3, Hob. III: 67: Vivace assai
  10. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3, Hob. III: 67: Adagio
  11. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3, Hob. III: 67: Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3, Hob. III: 67: Finale: Allegro con spirito

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64, No. 4, Hob. III: 66: Allegro con brio
  2. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64, No. 4, Hob. III: 66: Menuetto: Allegretto
  3. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64, No. 4, Hob. III: 66: Adagio - Cantabile e sostenuto
  4. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64, No. 4, Hob. III: 66: Finale: Presto
  5. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64, No. 5, Hob. III: 63: Allegro moderato
  6. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64, No. 5, Hob. III: 63: Adagio - Cantabile
  7. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64, No. 5, Hob. III: 63: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64, No. 5, Hob. III: 63: Finale: Vivace
  9. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 6, Hob. III: 64: Allegro
  10. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 6, Hob. III: 64: Andante
  11. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 6, Hob. III: 64: Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 6, Hob. III: 64: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 28 In E Flat Major, Op. 20, No. 1: Allegro moderato
  2. Quartet No. 28 In E Flat Major, Op. 20, No. 1: Minuet: Un poco allegretto
  3. Quartet No. 28 In E Flat Major, Op. 20, No. 1: Affetuoso e sostenuto
  4. Quartet No. 28 In E Flat Major, Op. 20, No. 1: Finale: Presto
  5. Quartet No. 25 In C Major, Op. 20, No. 2: Moderato
  6. Quartet No. 25 In C Major, Op. 20, No. 2: Capriccio: Adagio
  7. Quartet No. 25 In C Major, Op. 20, No. 2: Minuet: Allegretto
  8. Quartet No. 25 In C Major, Op. 20, No. 2: Fuga a quattro soggetti
  9. Quartet No. 26 In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: Allegro con spirito
  10. Quartet No. 26 In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: Minuet: Allegretto
  11. Quartet No. 26 In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: Poco adagio
  12. Quartet No. 26 In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: Finale: Allegro di molto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Allegro di molto
  2. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Un poco adagio e affettuoso
  3. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Menuet alla Zingarese: Allegretto
  4. Quartet No. 27 In D Major, Op. 20, No. 4: Presto e scherzando
  5. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Moderato
  6. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Menuet
  7. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Adagio
  8. Quartet No. 23 In F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5: Finale: Fuga a due soggetti
  9. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Allegro di molto e scherzando
  10. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Adagio
  11. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Menuet
  12. Quartet No. 24 In A Major, Op. 20, No. 6: Fuga con tre soggetti

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Andante ed Innocentemente
  2. Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Menuetto: Allegretto
  3. Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Adagio e cantabile
  4. Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Finale: Presto
  5. Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Presto
  6. Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Menuet
  7. Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Adagio
  8. Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Menuet: Allegretto
  9. Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Finale: Allegro
  10. Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Adagio With Variations
  11. Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Menuet
  12. Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Scherzo: Presto
  13. Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Menuet
  14. Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 11 In D Minor, Op. 9, No. 4: Moderato
  2. Quartet No. 11 In D Minor, Op. 9, No. 4: Menuet
  3. Quartet No. 11 In D Minor, Op. 9, No. 4: Adagio - Cantabile
  4. Quartet No. 11 In D Minor, Op. 9, No. 4: Finale: Presto
  5. Quartet No. 12 In C Major, Op. 9, No. 1: Moderato
  6. Quartet No. 12 In C Major, Op. 9, No. 1: Menuet: Un poco allegretto
  7. Quartet No. 12 In C Major, Op. 9, No. 1: Adagio
  8. Quartet No. 12 In C Major, Op. 9, No. 1: Finale: Presto
  9. Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op. 9, No. 3: Moderato
  10. Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op. 9, No. 3: Menuet: Allegretto
  11. Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op. 9, No. 3: Largo
  12. Quartet No. 13 In G Major, Op. 9, No. 3: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 14 In E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2: Moderato
  2. Quartet No. 14 In E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2: Menuet
  3. Quartet No. 14 In E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2: Adagio
  4. Quartet No. 14 In E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2: Finale: Allegro di molto
  5. Quartet No. 15 In B Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 5: Poco adagio
  6. Quartet No. 15 In B Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 5: Menuet: Allegretto
  7. Quartet No. 15 In B Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 5: Largo: Cantabile
  8. Quartet No. 15 In B Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 5: Finale: Presto
  9. Quartet No. 16 In A Major, Op. 9, No. 6: Presto
  10. Quartet No. 16 In A Major, Op. 9, No. 6: Menuet
  11. Quartet No. 16 In A Major, Op. 9, No. 6: Adagio
  12. Quartet No. 16 In A Major, Op. 9, No. 6: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 29 In G Major, Op. 33, No. 5 'How Do You Do?': Vivace assai
  2. Quartet No. 29 In G Major, Op. 33, No. 5 'How Do You Do?': Largo e cantabile
  3. Quartet No. 29 In G Major, Op. 33, No. 5 'How Do You Do?': Scherzo
  4. Quartet No. 29 In G Major, Op. 33, No. 5 'How Do You Do?': Finale
  5. Quartet No. 30 In E Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2 'The Joke': Allegro moderato
  6. Quartet No. 30 In E Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2 'The Joke': Scherzo
  7. Quartet No. 30 In E Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2 'The Joke': Largo e sostenuto
  8. Quartet No. 30 In E Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2 'The Joke': Finale
  9. Quartet No. 31 In B Minor, Op. 33, No. 1: Allegro moderato
  10. Quartet No. 31 In B Minor, Op. 33, No. 1: Scherzo
  11. Quartet No. 31 In B Minor, Op. 33, No. 1: Andante
  12. Quartet No. 31 In B Minor, Op. 33, No. 1: Finale

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 32 In C Major, Op. 33, No. 3 'The Bird': Allegro moderato
  2. Quartet No. 32 In C Major, Op. 33, No. 3 'The Bird': Scherzo: Allegretto
  3. Quartet No. 32 In C Major, Op. 33, No. 3 'The Bird': Adagio ma non troppo
  4. Quartet No. 32 In C Major, Op. 33, No. 3 'The Bird': Finale: Rondo - Presto
  5. Quartet No. 33 In D Major, Op. 33, No. 6: Vivace assai
  6. Quartet No. 33 In D Major, Op. 33, No. 6: Andante
  7. Quartet No. 33 In D Major, Op. 33, No. 6: Scherzo: Allegretto
  8. Quartet No. 33 In D Major, Op. 33, No. 6: Finale: Rondo - Presto
  9. Quartet No. 34 In B Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 4: Allegro moderato
  10. Quartet No. 34 In B Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 4: Scherzo: Allegretto
  11. Quartet No. 34 In B Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 4: Largo
  12. Quartet No. 34 In B Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 4: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Moderato
  2. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
  3. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Adagio
  4. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Finale: Allegro di molto
  5. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Moderato
  6. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
  7. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Adagio
  8. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Finale: Presto
  9. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Moderato
  10. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Menuetto
  11. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Adagio cantabile
  12. String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Presto
  2. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Menuetto
  3. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Largo
  4. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Presto
  5. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Andate grazioso
  6. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
  7. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Adagio
  8. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Allegro molto
  9. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Moderato
  10. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Menuetto
  11. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Adagio
  12. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Presto

Tracks:

  1. Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Allegro moderato
  2. Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Adagio
  3. Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Menuetto: Presto
  4. Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Finale: Presto
  5. Quartet No. 67 In F Major, Op. 77, No. 2: Allegro moderato
  6. Quartet No. 67 In F Major, Op. 77, No. 2: Menuet: Presto
  7. Quartet No. 67 In F Major, Op. 77, No. 2: Andante
  8. Quartet No. 67 In F Major, Op. 77, No. 2: Finale: Vivace assai

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Allegro
  2. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Adagio non lento
  3. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Menuetto: Poco allegretto
  4. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Finale: Vivace
  5. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Vivace
  6. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Adagio: Cantabile
  7. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Finale: Vivace assai
  9. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Allegro con brio
  10. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Andante piu tosto Allegretto
  11. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

  1. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Allegro spirituoso
  2. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Andante
  3. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Menuetto: Poco allegretto
  4. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Finale: Fuga: Allegro moderato
  5. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Allegro moderato
  6. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Poco adagio
  7. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
  8. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Finale: Vivace
  9. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Allegro
  10. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Poco adagio
  11. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
  12. String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Finale: Allegro con spirito

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Many Hours of Magnificent Listening Pleasure.......2007-02-20

When these quartets were recorded, in the 1990's and early 2000's, the Kodaly Quartet ("KQ") had been playing together for more than a quarter century. It shows. What is evident on these recordings is the perfect cohesion of these highly talented musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowledge of the score of each quartet and thoroughly enjoy playing together. The KQ's performance is fresh, truly conveys their love for this music, and fully brings to life the range of emotions contained in this musical microcosm - playfulness, elegance, sunny joy, and gentle reverie - with every movement of these quartets having a quality of refinement and graciousness that allows the listener to savor every note.

The allegro movements on these CDs have a wonderful rhythmic vitality.
While listening to them, one can imagine elegantly dressed men and women in the 18th century, with the women in long, flowing silk dresses, moving across the dance floor to the sounds of this wonderful music. Although this chamber music was originally composed for small private gatherings, the fast movements have a lively rhythm that evokes the image of dancing couples.

The slow movements are played with a beautiful tenderness that invites the listener to float upwards with closed eyes into a serene musical heaven, floating in the clouds like an albatross with its wings outspread, being lifted by air currents as it slowly glides through an azure sky on a warm summer day.

These digital recordings have an excellent crystal clear sound quality, capturing the KQ's precision and their sensitivity to every nuance of every note. The sound engineering is truly first-rate, giving a feeling of immediacy and physical presence to the instruments. It is only one step away from having the musicians actually performing in front of you, in your own living room.

I am absolutely delighted with this series of the complete Haydn string quartets by the KQ. As it turns out, every CD in the series has been a delight, including the ones with "spurious arrangements" and quartets that may very well not have been composed by Haydn at all, but by Romanus Hoffstetter (1742 - 1815).

Even the early string quartets are more than mere historical footnotes. They are also beautiful music, irrespective of who composed them, Haydn or Hoffstetter. They are delightful and very worthy compositions in their own right. As stated by Allan Badley in the booklet notes to one of the CD's of the earliest quartets: "There is much to admire in the Op. 3 Quartets, whoever the composer may have been. They are elegant, neatly composed works with lively outer movements, gentle, graceful slow movements, and the kind of lilting, intoxicating minuets that are an integral part of Austrian music of the period." The fact that these string quartets are less musically complex than Haydn's later masterpieces, such as the Opus 71, "Apponyi" quartets, does not detract from their beauty.

I would gladly have paid twice as much for this set of CDs and still felt it was an excellent value. The CD booklet notes are well-written, with historical information, musical analysis, and information on the Kodaly Quartet. Very highly recommended.
Haydn: String Quartets, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Haydn: String Quartets, Vol. 1

    Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000001K4H
    Release Date: 1996-07-09

    Tracks:

    1. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: I. Allegro moderato
    2. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
    3. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: III. Affetuoso e sostenuto
    4. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: IV. Finale: Presto
    5. Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: I. Allegro con spirito
    6. Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
    7. Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: III. Poco adagio
    8. Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20, No. 3: IV. Finale: Allegro molto
    9. Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No.6: I. Allegro con spirito
    10. Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No.6: II. Adagio cantabile
    11. Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No.6: III. Menuetto: Allegro Allegretto
    12. Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No.6: IV. Fuga: Allegro
    13. Quartet In C Major, Op.20 No.2: I. Moderato
    14. Quartet In C Major, Op.20 No.2: II. Adagio
    15. Quartet In C Major, Op.20 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
    16. Quartet In C Major, Op.20 No.2: IV. Fuga IV soggetti

    Tracks:

    1. Quartet In D Major, Op.20 No.4: I. Allegro di molto
    2. Quartet In D Major, Op.20 No.4: II. Un poco adagio affetuoso
    3. Quartet In D Major, Op.20 No.4: III. Menuetto: Allegretto alla zingarese
    4. Quartet In D Major, Op.20 No.4: IV. Presto scherzando
    5. Quartet In F Major, Op.20, No.5: I. Allegro moderato
    6. Quartet In F Major, Op.20, No.5: II. Menuetto
    7. Quartet In F Major, Op.20, No.5: III. Adagio
    8. Quartet In F Major, Op.20, No.5: IV. Finale: Fuga a due sogetti
    9. Quartet In F-Flat Major, Op.1, No.1: I. Presto
    10. Quartet In F-Flat Major, Op.1, No.1: II. Menuetto
    11. Quartet In F-Flat Major, Op.1, No.1: III. Adagio
    12. Quartet In F-Flat Major, Op.1, No.1: IV. Menuetto
    13. Quartet In F-Flat Major, Op.1, No.1: V. Presto
    14. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.1, No.2: I. Allegro molto
    15. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.1, No.2: II. Menuetto
    16. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.1, No.2: III. Adagio
    17. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.1, No.2: IV. Menuetto
    18. Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op.1, No.2: V. Presto
    Franz Joseph Haydn: "Sun Quartets" Op. 20
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Franz Joseph Haydn: "Sun Quartets" Op. 20
      Franz Joseph Haydn , and Tátrai Quartet
      Manufacturer: Hungaroton
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B00000303T
      Release Date: 1993-01-20
      Haydn: String Quartets Op 20 /Quatuor Mosaïques
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Each movement is an event!
      • One of the finest recordings in chamber music
      • Haydn with sense and sensibility
      • Excellent performance overall.
      Haydn: String Quartets Op 20 /Quatuor Mosaïques
      Joseph Haydn , Quatuor Mosaiques , Erich Höbarth , and Andrea Bischof
      Manufacturer: Astree
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      Similar Items:
      1. Haydn: String Quartets Op 33 /Quatuor Mosaiques
      2. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76
      3. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 2, 4, 5 /Quatuor Mosaiques
      4. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 1, 3, 6 /Quatuor Mosaiques
      5. Mozart: String Quartets /Quatuor Mosaiques

      ASIN: B00004TQPN
      Release Date: 2000-06-13

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Each movement is an event!.......2007-02-19

      In comparison with The Lindsays who play beautifully but lack in recording quality and intimacy (especially on ASV), the Emerson Quartet who are recorded really well but for me play with too much self-regard, and the Amadeus Quartet who play excellently but who's recordings are older and analogue to digital transfers, the Mosaiques are as close to perfection as one could wish. Period instruments are not all that important perhaps but the intimacy of recording them and their acoustics is and both are technically very well accomplished here and on their Op 33, 64, 76, & 77 CDs. As far as musical interpretation goes they are sensitive and revealing artists who are most sympathetic to how my relationship with this music is. I own several CDs by all the above quartets but the Mosaiques are the ones I am drawn to first every time in any mood (closely followed by the Amadeus Quartet). The others provide valuable comparisons which may broaden one's understanding of Hadyn but for depth, drama, and lucidity the Mosaiques cannot be bettered.

      5 out of 5 stars One of the finest recordings in chamber music.......2005-03-22

      This superb recording is one of the finest recordings of 18th-century chamber music and stands at the pinnacle of great quartet playing. The combination of Haydn's compositional innovations, the Mosaiques' stauresque period-musicianship and the cutting-edge DDD recording makes this two-CD set rise to the top of excellence. This recording won a 1993 Gramophone award and - with the Mosaiques' Op. 33, 76 and 77 - are Gramophone's top pick for Haydn's quartets among all available recordings. Additionally, Penguin Guide awarded this set the distinctive ROSETTE rating along with a "Key Recommended Recording" citing (ie: ideal for building a collection). One listen should reveal the reasons for such top accolades.

      There is something about the Op.20 Haydn quartets performed by the Mosaiques that is ever-so-captivating. I stumbled upon the set at the library and was absolutely amazed at the unique and dramatic sound and style of this quartet. The tones and textures they create on their period (gut string) instruments are equisitely shaped and highly alluring. Additionally in these fine all-digital recordings, you can hear each of the four string's dramatic tonal colorations played in superb definition - a clarity not matched by any other recording I have listened to. The Penguin Guide confirmed such an impression: "This is playing of rare distinction which is immensely revealing and rewarding, helped by a state-of-the-art recording of complete realism and presence within an acoustic that provides the necessary intimacy of ambiance."

      The Op.20 quartets are historic in many ways, the main one being that they were among the first true quartet compositions of any kind, with independent parts given to each instrument. Also, having been composed during Haydn's "Storm and Stress" phase in the 1770's, they exude a distinct (pre-Romantic-era) emotional uneasiness and dissonance - but new sounds still within the boundaries of the good Vienesse taste of Haydn. The sharp shifts in rhythm, dynamics, and tempos are part of this new expressiveness that makes Op. 20 fairly unique among Haydn's many quartets. And with their period instruments and stark yet attractive style of shaping notes (no vibrato), the Mosaiques bring out this "Storm & Stress" intensity with great effect and expression. Their bold and superbly precise starts and stops and cresendos bring great drama to the music as Haydn intended and better than modern insrument quartets in my opinion. Equally, the Mosaiques bring out Haydn's playful side in the "scherzo" movements with great bouyancy and charm but without going over into pretentiousness. Their slow movements are pure artistry and elegance and done with the most nuanced shades of tonal colour and dynamic.

      If you could only splurge for one Mosaique's recording, Op. 20 is really most special and recommended. Their reading of this work is truly staturesque. Part of the reason is because their style and more robust, gutsy tone are ideally suited for this most dramatic composition of Haydn - which essentially launched the modern string quartet form. Most recommended.

      5 out of 5 stars Haydn with sense and sensibility.......2004-11-07

      These performances of Haydn's opus 20 by the Mosaiques are widely considered to be a top recommendation by experts such as Grammophone and the Penguin guide. Why is that so? First, Haydn's opus 20 is a landwark of the string quartet literature: after initial efforts that are closer to a divertimento, Haydn succeeds in establishing the layout of the string quartet that would be followed in the centuries to come: first movement in ABA (sonata) form, a slow second movement, a light-hearted third (a menuetto) and a fast-paced finale. That said, the opus 20 quartets see Hadyn experimenting with alternatives: in three of the quartets, the second and third movement are switched. On other two quarterts, the finale is based on a fuge (antecipating Beethoven's famous opus 133). These experimentations are fascinating attempts at finding the right balance, and no chamber music lover can fail to have them in his collection. The performance do full justice to the importance of the piece: although the Mosaiques play with period instruments, theirs is not a strict "period performance". The Mosaiques are rather more faithful to Hadyn's spirit: their interpretation captures all different paces and structures of Haydn's opus 20. This is an "all period" recording which puts together skill, knowledge and sensibility to a extraordinary effect. Finally, the two sets are available at a very attractive price. I bought those for 50 pounds at a Mosaiques concert in England. You can have them for far less, and enjoy them as much as I do.

      4 out of 5 stars Excellent performance overall........2003-12-31

      As a child, I remember sitting on the floor in front of the stereo transfixed by Haydn's Quartet op. 20 no. 4 in D. I simply couldn't believe what I was hearing. As soon as I had saved enough allowance, I bought the Juilliard Quartet recording of these "Sun" Quartets, an expansive and somewhat romantic recording which made the most of the high level of emotion in these works.

      I'm always a bit reluctant to buy "period instrument" recordings, especially when I am so familiar with a particular sound and interpretation. It's not that I don't appreciate historical accuracy, but so often the interpretations are unmusical, meaning either deliberately "scholarly" or "faux bizarre", with all kinds of liberties taken (tempo, ornamentation, etc.) to make a performance more "interesting".

      I'm happy to report that the Quatour Mosaiques plays with beauty, feeling, and best of all, allows Haydn's genius its due. These quartets are the first fully-developed, profound, and utterly mature works of their kind and QM does them absolute justice. The melodic passages aren't burdened by ego, the accompaniaments aren't ponderous, the tempi are darn near perfect (the Adagio variations of no. 4 are just a touch too slow, which detracts from the inexorable and tragic coda) and the most difficult of them, no. 3, is played with such a combination of fire and restraint (elegance) that it is easy to see where Mozart obtained inspiration for his String Quintet in the same key (although the Haydn quartet is much more daring in many respects). My only complaint is an occasional thinness of tone (some vibrato would help, particularly in the slow movement of no. 1) and a general lack of variation in sound (not only tone color, but also a lack of variation in volume). Other than that, I recommend this recording wholeheartedly, especially to those of you who aren't familiar with Haydn's earlier quartets. With their fugues, their frequent minor keys, sudden changes of mood, chromaticism, formal experiments, thematic links (especially no. 2), and their overall lyrical expression, these quartets plumb greater depths than many of their later counterparts.

      This recording is an excellent choice and well worth the price.
      Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 9 - Tátrai Quartet
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 9 - Tátrai Quartet
        Franz Joseph Haydn , and Tátrai Quartet
        Manufacturer: Hungaroton
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00000308V
        Release Date: 1993-02-19
        Haydn: The String Quartets
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Lively, colourful
        • Sizzles!
        • just an amazing performance
        • just an amazing performance
        • No Op. 3's & 681 quartets?
        Haydn: The String Quartets

        Manufacturer: Decca
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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        Similar Items:
        1. Haydn: The Symphonies
        2. Liszt: Piano Works
        3. Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas
        4. Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
        5. Chopin: The Piano Works

        ASIN: B0000042GO
        Release Date: 1997-11-11

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 0: I. Presto
        2. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 0: II. Menuetto
        3. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 0: III. Adagio
        4. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 0: IV. Menuetto
        5. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 0: V. Finale: Presto
        6. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: I. Presto
        7. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: II. Menuetto
        8. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: III. Adagio
        9. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: IV. Menuetto
        10. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: V. Presto
        11. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2: I. Allegro
        12. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2: II. Menuetto
        13. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2: III. Adagio
        14. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2: IV. Menuetto
        15. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2: V. Presto
        16. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3: I. Adagio
        17. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3: II. Menuetto
        18. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3: III. Presto
        19. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3: IV. Menuetto
        20. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 1 No. 3: V. Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 1 No. 4: I. Presto
        2. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 1 No. 4: II. Menuetto
        3. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 1 No. 4: III. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
        4. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 1 No. 4: IV. Menuetto
        5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 1 No. 4: V. Presto
        6. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 1 No. 6: I. Presto Assai
        7. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 1 No. 6: II. Menuetto
        8. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 1 No. 6: III. Adagio
        9. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 1 No. 6: IV. Menuetto
        10. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 1 No. 6: V. Finale: Presto
        11. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 2 No. 1: I. Allegro
        12. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 2 No. 1: II. Menuetto
        13. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 2 No. 1: III. Adagio
        14. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 2 No. 1: IV. Menuetto
        15. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 2 No. 1: V. Allegro Molto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 2 No. 2: I. Allegro Molto
        2. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 2 No. 2: II. Menuetto
        3. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 2 No. 2: III. Adagio
        4. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 2 No. 2: IV. Menuetto
        5. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 2 No. 2: V. Finale: Presto
        6. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 2 No. 4: I. Presto
        7. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 2 No. 4: II. Menuetto
        8. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 2 No. 4: III. Adagio
        9. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 2 No. 4: IV. Menuetto: Allegretto
        10. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 2 No. 4: V. Allegro
        11. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 6: I. Adagio
        12. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 6: II. Menuetto
        13. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 6: III. Presto: Scherzo
        14. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 6: IV. Menuetto
        15. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 6: V. Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 9 No. 1: I. Moderato
        2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 9 No. 1: II. Menuetto: Un Poco Allegretto
        3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 9 No. 1: III. Adagio
        4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 9 No. 1: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2: I. Moderato
        6. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2: II. Menuetto
        7. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2: III. Adagio
        8. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
        9. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 9 No. 3: I. Allegro Moderato
        10. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 9 No. 3: II. Menuetto
        11. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 9 No. 3: III. Largo
        12. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 9 No. 3: IV. Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: I. Moderato
        2. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: II. Menuetto
        3. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: III. Adagio Cantabile
        4. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 9 No. 4: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: String Quarter In B Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: I. Poco Adagio
        6. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: String Quarter In B Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: II. Menuetto: Allegretto
        7. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: String Quarter In B Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: III. Largo Cantabile
        8. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: String Quarter In B Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 5: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: I. Presto
        10. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: II. Menuetto
        11. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: III. Adagio
        12. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: String Quartet In A Major, Op. 9 No. 6: IV. Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 17 No. 1: I. Moderato
        2. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 17 No. 1: II. Menuet
        3. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 17 No. 1: III. Adagio
        4. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 17 No. 1: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 17 No. 2: I. Moderato
        6. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 17 No. 2: II. Menuet: Poco Allegretto
        7. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 17 No. 2: III. Adagio
        8. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 17 No. 2: IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto
        9. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 17 No. 3: I. Andante Grazioso
        10. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 17 No. 3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
        11. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 17 No. 3: III. Adagio
        12. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 17 No. 3: IV. Allegro Di Molto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 17 No. 4: I. Moderato
        2. String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 17 No. 4: II. Minuet: Allegretto
        3. String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 17 No. 4: III. Adagio Cantabile
        4. String Quartet In C Minor, Op. 17 No. 4: IV. Finale: Allegro
        5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17 No. 5: I. Moderato
        6. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17 No. 5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
        7. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17 No. 5: III. Adagio
        8. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17 No. 5: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17 No. 6: I. Presto
        10. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17 No. 6: II. Menuet
        11. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17 No. 6: III. Largo
        12. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17 No. 6: IV. Finale: Allegro

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: I. Allegro Moderato
        2. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: II. Menuet: Un Poco Allegretto
        3. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: III. Affettuoso E Sostenuto
        4. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: IV. Presto
        5. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: I. Moderato
        6. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: II. Capriccio: Adagio
        7. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: III. Menuet: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: IV. Fuga A 4 Soggetti: Allegro
        9. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: I. Allegro Con Spirito
        10. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
        11. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: III. Poco Adagio
        12. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: IV. Allegro Di Molto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: I. Allegro Di Molto
        2. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: II. Un Poco Adagio E Affettuoso
        3. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: III. Menuet Alla Zingarese
        4. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: IV. Presto E Scherzando
        5. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: I. Moderato
        6. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: II. Menuet
        7. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: III. Adagio
        8. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: IV. Fuga A 2 Soggetti
        9. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: I. Allegro Di Molto E Scherzando
        10. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: II. Adagio
        11. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: III. Menuet
        12. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: IV. Fuga A 3 Soggetti: Allegro

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 33 No. 1: I. Allegro
        2. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 33 No. 1: II. Scherzo: Allegro
        3. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 33 No. 1: III. Andante
        4. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 33 No. 1: IV. Presto
        5. String Quartet In E-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2: I. Allegro moderato, cantabile
        6. String Quartet In E-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2: II. Scherzo: Allegro
        7. String Quartet In E-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2: III. Largo sostenuto
        8. String Quartet In E-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In C Major, op. 33 No. 3: I. Allegro moderato
        10. String Quartet In C Major, op. 33 No. 3: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
        11. String Quartet In C Major, op. 33 No. 3: III. Adagio
        12. String Quartet In C Major, op. 33 No. 3: IV. Rondo: Presto
        13. String Quartet In B-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 4: I. Allegro moderato
        14. String Quartet In B-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 4: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
        15. String Quartet In B-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 4: III. Largo
        16. String Quartet In B-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 4: IV. Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 33 No. 5: I. Vivace Assai
        2. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 33 No. 5: II. Largo E Cantabile
        3. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 33 No. 5: III. Scherzo: Allegro
        4. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 33 No. 5: IV. Finale: Allegretto
        5. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 33 No. 6: I. Vivace Assai
        6. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 33 No. 6: II. Andante
        7. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 33 No. 6: III. Scherzo: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 33 No. 6: IV. Finale: Allegretto
        9. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 42: I. Andante Ed Innocentemente
        10. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 42: II. Menuet
        11. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 42: III. Adagio E Cantabile
        12. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 42: IV. Finale: Presto
        13. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 1: I. Allegro
        14. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio Non Lento
        15. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 1: III. Poco Allegretto
        16. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 1: IV. Finale: Vivace

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50 No. 2: I. Vivace
        2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50 No. 2: II. Adagio Cantabile
        3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50 No. 2: IV. Finale: Vivace Assai
        5. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 3: I. Allegro Con Brio
        6. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 3: II. Andante Piu Tosto Allegretto
        7. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 50 No. 3: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 50 No. 4: I. Allegro Spirituoso
        10. String Quartet In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 50 No. 4: II. Andante
        11. String Quartet In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 50 No. 4: III. Menuetto
        12. String Quartet In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 50 No. 4: IV. Fuga: Allegro Moderato

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 50 No. 5: I. Allegro Moderato
        2. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 50 No. 5: II. Poco Adagio
        3. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 50 No. 5: III. Menuetto
        4. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 50 No. 5: IV. Finale: Vivace
        5. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 50 No. 6: I. Allegro
        6. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 50 No. 6: II. Poco Adagio
        7. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 50 No. 6: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 50 No. 6: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito
        9. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54 No. 1: I. Vivace Assai
        10. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54 No. 1: II. Allegretto
        11. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54 No. 1: III. Menuet
        12. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54 No. 1: IV. Vivace

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54 No. 2: I. Vivace
        2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54 No. 2: II. Adagio
        3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54 No. 2: IV. Adagio
        5. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54 No. 3: I. Allegretto
        6. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54 No. 3: II. Largo
        7. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54 No. 3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54 No. 3: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 55 No. 1: I. Allegro
        10. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 55 No. 1: II. Adagio cantabile
        11. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 55 No. 1: III. Menuet
        12. String Quartet In A Major, Op. 55 No. 1: IV. Finale: Vivace

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 2: I. Andante
        2. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 2: II. Allegro
        3. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        4. String Quartet In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 2: IV. Presto
        5. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 3: I. Vivace Assai
        6. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 3: II. Adagio ma non troppo
        7. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 3: III. Menuetto
        8. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 3: IV. Presto
        9. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64 No. 1: I. Allegro moderato
        10. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64 No. 1: II. Menuet: Allegro ma non troppo
        11. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64 No. 1: III. Allegretto scherzando
        12. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 64 No. 1: IV. Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64 No. 2: I. Allegro spiritoso
        2. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64 No. 2: II. Adagio ma non troppo
        3. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64 No. 2: III. Menuetto
        4. String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 64 No. 2: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3: I. Vivace assai
        6. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3: II. Adagio
        7. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3: III. Menuet: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3: IV. Finale: Allegro con spirito
        9. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64 No. 4: I. Allegro con brio
        10. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64 No. 4: II. Menuetto and Trio
        11. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64 No. 4: III. Adagio cantabile sostenuto
        12. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 64 No. 4: IV. Finale: Presto
        13. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64 No. 5: I. Allegro moderato
        14. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64 No. 5: II. Adagio
        15. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64 No. 5: III. Menuet: Allegretto
        16. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 64 No. 5: IV. Finale: Vivace

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 6: I. Allegro
        2. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 6: II. Andante
        3. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 6: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        4. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 6: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 1: I. Allegro
        6. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 1: II. Adagio
        7. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 1: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 1: IV. Vivace
        9. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71 No. 2: I. Adagio; Allegro
        10. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabile
        11. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegro
        12. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71 No. 2: IV. Finale: Allegretto - Vivace

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 3: I. Vivace
        2. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 3: II. Andante con moto
        3. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 3: III. Menuetto
        4. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 3: IV. Finale: Vivace
        5. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74 No. 1: I. Allegro moderato
        6. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74 No. 1: II. Andantino grazioso
        7. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74 No. 1: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
        8. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 74 No. 1: IV. Finale: Vivace
        9. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74 No. 2: I. Allegro spiritoso
        10. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74 No. 2: II. Andante grazioso
        11. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegro
        12. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 74 No. 2: IV. Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 74 No. 3: I. Allegro
        2. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 74 No. 3: II. Largo assai
        3. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 74 No. 3: III. Menuetto and Trio: Allegretto
        4. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 74 No. 3: IV. Finale: Allegro con brio
        5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: I. Allegro con spirito
        6. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: II. Adagio sostenuto
        7. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: III. Menuetto: Presto
        8. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: IV. Allegro ma non troppo
        9. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2: I. Allegro
        10. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2: II. Andante o piu tosto allegretto
        11. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2: III. Menuetto: Allegro ma non troppo
        12. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2: IV. Vivace assai
        13. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 103 (Unfinished): II. Andante grazioso
        14. String Quartet In D Minor, Op. 103 (Unfinished): III. Menuetto ma non troppo presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3: I. Allegro
        2. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3: II. Poco adagio, cantabile
        3. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3: III. Menuetto: Allegro
        4. String Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3: IV. Finale: Presto
        5. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4: I. Allegro con spirito
        6. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4: II. Adagio
        7. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4: III. Menuetto: Allegro
        8. String Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4: IV. Finale: Allegro ma non troppo
        9. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: I. Allegretto
        10. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: II. Largo ma non troppo: Cantabile e mesto
        11. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: III. Menuetto: Allegro
        12. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: IV. Finale: Presto

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: I. Allegretto; Allegro
        2. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: II. Fantasia: Adagio
        3. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: III. Menuetto: Presto
        4. String Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: IV. Finale: Allegro spirituoso
        5. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 77 No. 1: I. Allegro moderato
        6. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 77 No. 1: II. Adagio
        7. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 77 No. 1: III. Menuetto: Presto
        8. String Quartet In G Major, Op. 77 No. 1: IV. Finale: Presto
        9. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 77 No. 2: I. Allegro moderato
        10. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 77 No. 2: II. Menuetto: Presto ma non troppo
        11. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 77 No. 2: III. Andante
        12. String Quartet In F Major, Op. 77 No. 2: IV. Finale: Vivace assai

        Tracks:

        1. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Introduzione: Maestoso ed adagio
        2. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: A Hymne To Christ
        3. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata I: Adagio
        4. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Prayer - A Dialogue Between Christian And Death
        5. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata II: Grave e cantabile
        6. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Good Friday: Rex tragicus
        7. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata III: Grave
        8. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Who Cannot Weep, Come Learn At Me
        9. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata IV: Largo
        10. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Still Falls The Rain (The Raids, 1940. Night And Dawn)
        11. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata V: Adagio
        12. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: The Killing
        13. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata VI: Lento
        14. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Tenebrae - Kyrie
        15. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Sonata VII: Largo
        16. The Seven Last Words Of Our Saviour On The Cross, Op. 51: Il Terremoto: Presto e con tutta la forza

        Amazon.com

        These works, along with the Haydn symphonies, are the most important and revolutionary works in the history of Western music. Haydn was the true inventor of the string quartet, and his 681 or 682 examples of the form have never, as a body, been equaled. They span his entire life, from the 1750s straight through to 1803, and without them the chamber music achievements of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert--and everyone who came later--would have been unthinkable. These works set the standard, and they still do. These performances, if not the last work in polish, are lively and affectionate. What's more, they wear easily on the ear, which is important because, once you start listening, you won't want to stop. --David Hurwitz

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Lively, colourful.......2005-06-02

        If you are going to have only one set of Haydn's collected string quartets, this is a strong candidate. These are lively, colourful performances, not always as balanced and classical as the Tatrai set, but with much, much better sound quality. If you don't care for production values, you could of course go for Tatrai; if you need a reasonably good sound, I guess Aeolian is the best of the spirited performances. Even if I have the Tatrai set, I find that the Aeolian set conveys additional qualities of the music. (Both the Angeles set and the Kodaly set leave me indifferent. )

        5 out of 5 stars Sizzles!.......2003-06-08

        We had an unexpected baby - cutting a long story short, he was premature, tinier than anything I had seen before, and thinking he would not be with us for long, we actually bought this set for him. Silly really. I really knew the quartets only by reputation, and thought that he could hear just a little bit of music in this world, he would be happy for that short space...
        Flash to two year later. My goodness, he is big and strong. He adores Haydn. He loves Beethoven and Bach. He dances to everything, even the beeping sound from the traffic lights, for goodness sake! This music has made him very musically aware, we know he is pitch perfect now, he can sing half a dozen film themes, and does it in the right key. He's half mad most of the time, but lovely and splendid in his small way.

        Haydn was in love all his life. He knew some sort of joy which I have dimly seen. This joy shatters every vessel it tries to fill, comes from outside the world, but spends serious time in it, pestering the life out of those who have ears to hear. You might hear it here. Particularly in the first disc, which Jonathon knows off by heart now. Usually by track 12 he is sound asleep.

        I really recommend this. I wish I could buy a few tens of these and give them away to quite a few people I know, but alas, I'm still paying for the first box! (Only joking)

        5 out of 5 stars just an amazing performance.......2001-08-08

        If you are a chamber music lover you should buy this set, more than 22 hours of the truly best quartet music ever. The Aeolian is just supreme. Don't think about the price. If you want to impove your clasical CD collection, well buy it.

        5 out of 5 stars just an amazing performance.......2001-08-08

        If you are a chamber music lover you should buy this set, more than 22 hours of the truly best quartet music ever. The Aeolian is just supreme. Don't think about the price. If you want to impove your clasical CD collection, well buy it.

        5 out of 5 stars No Op. 3's & 681 quartets?.......2000-11-22

        The likely reason the Op. 3's are not included in this package is due to the fact that they are often attributed to R. Hofstetter instead of Papa Haydn himself. Also the typo in the staff review was probably meant to read 68 or 68 1/2 (the 1/2 referring to the final unfinished quartet Op. 103). Whether you attribute the Op. 3's to Haydn or not, the actual count is around 70, making this a very substantial, if not complete, set of Haydn quartets.
        Haydn: String Quartets, Vol. 1
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Haydn: String Quartets, Vol. 1

          Manufacturer: Preiser Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante
          GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B00000DBQF
          Release Date: 1994-09-20
          Franz Joseph Haydn: "Sun" String Quartets, Op. 20 Nos. 4-6 - The Salomon Quartet
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Franz Joseph Haydn: "Sun" String Quartets, Op. 20 Nos. 4-6 - The Salomon Quartet
            Peter Holman , Trevor Jones , Simon Standage , and The Salomon Quartet
            Manufacturer: Hyperion
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
            All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000002ZS0
            Release Date: 1993-03-04

            Tracks:

            1. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.4 in D: Allegro Di Molto
            2. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.4 in D: Un Poco Adgio, Affettuoso
            3. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.4 in D: Menuetto (Allegretto Alla Zingarese)
            4. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.4 in D: Presto E Scherzando
            5. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.5 in f: Allegro Moderato
            6. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.5 in f: Menuetto
            7. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.5 in f: Adagio
            8. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.5 in f: Finale (Fuga A 2 Soggetti)
            9. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.6 in A: Allegro Di Molto E Scherzando
            10. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.6 in A: Adagio Cantabile
            11. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.6 in A: Menuetto (Allegretto)
            12. The 'Sun' Qts, Op.20 No.6 in A: Fuga A 3 Soggetti (Allegro)

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