Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6

Editorial Reviews
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

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6, Music, Franz Joseph Haydn, Kodaly Quartet, Chamber, Classical, Classical Composers, 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

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
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
  2. Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
  3. Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas
  4. Schubert: The String Quartets
  5. Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

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

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
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
$6.99 and Under$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Haydn, Franz JosephHaydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
InstrumentalInstrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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.
String Quartets Op. 20, 1-3
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Understated music of the gods
  • Discovering the Haydn Quartets on Naxos
  • Outstanding
 String Quartets Op. 20, 1-3

Manufacturer: Naxos
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
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
  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. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"
  5. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3

ASIN: B0000013WM
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Moderato
  2. Minuet: Un Poco Allegretto
  3. Affetuoso E Sostenuto
  4. Finale: Presto
  5. Moderato
  6. Capriccio: Adagio
  7. Minuet: Allegretto
  8. Fuga A Quattro Soggetti
  9. Allegro Con Spirito
  10. Minuet: Allegretto
  11. Poco Adagio
  12. Finale: Allegro Di Molto

Amazon.com

Haydn's Op. 20 string quartets are widely considered to be works with which the mature classical style more or less came of age. That makes them critically important historically, but they are also no less worthy artistically. While the next set of quartets, Op. 33, would introduce a wholly new kind of humor to classical music, these pieces are much more serious. Two of the quartets are in minor keys, and one of them--Op. 20, No. 3--had a deep and lasting impact on Mozart especially, being written in his special "tragic" key of G minor. The Kodaly Quartet is slowly working its way through all 68-1/2 Haydn quartets, and at a budget price these excellent performances offer an ideal opportunity to get to know some of the greatest music in Western civilization. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Understated music of the gods.......2006-12-27

Surely the string quartet is the King of Musical Art Forms, and Haydn's achievements in this form that he nutured and pioneered has never been surpassed, and obviously never can be. Though I'm not aware of the circumstances under which his so-called "Thirty Famous Quartets" were selected, the fact that the first three quartets of op. 20, which are recorded here by the Kodalys, weren't included in the bunch seems to be evidence that the selection process was arbitrary and perhaps even fatuous, for Opus 20 contains some of Haydn's very greatest music. Was the Famous Thirty, I wonder, little more than a publisher's grab bag from the embarrassment of riches of Haydn's compositions? The first quartet of the opus (E flat major) for example, is one of the most sublime, artless, and achingly beautiful creations not only in Haydn's output, but in all of music. How can it be that something so great could have been relegated to the status of a second-class citizen for so many years? Every one of Mozart's ten great string quartets (he also wrote 13 clunkers) are performed and recorded with awesome regularly; Ditto Beethoven's 16 great ones. Why not Haydn's?

Well, one reason is that Haydn produced so many more great works than his compatriots in the "First Viennese School" in this sublime, arduous form that it confused people. The other reason can be found in the fact that for many if not most classical music listeners, Haydn has never quite been given his due regard as one of the three or four greatest composers in history (and quite possibly, along with Bach, one of the two greatest). This is a shame that I think should be rectified, and the only way to do that, really, is to LISTEN.

Anyway, the six masterpieces that comprise the so-called Sun Quartets are a revolutionary attainment, at least as important as Beethoven's five "late" quartets, where Haydn finally throws off the vestigial artistic shackles of the divertimento and therefore, after much hard work, devises the classical string quartet in its undying glory. In comparison composers such as Schubert, Brahms, Schumann, Debussy, Ravel, Shostakovich, Bartok, Berg, and Schoenberg, though all undeniably great quartet writers, are second-tier next to Haydn. As a listener, I'm no conservative, and it took me about twenty years of obsessive listening to classical music to realize this, but I'm glad I finally did.

For those uncertain about Haydn as a quartet composer, short of venturing to the library, the Kodalys on Naxos is as painless and inexpensive a way to start, and features some very fine performances. I would suggest by starting out with the two CDs that constitute Opus 20, and the two that constitute Opus 76. That's twelve works of sublime, profoundly moving, deathless music for under forty bucks! Or heck, pick one or two of the four CDs! Listen with open ears and it's quite possible you will want to acquire all of the recordings of the Kodalys of Haydn's unsurpassable masterpieces.

5 out of 5 stars Discovering the Haydn Quartets on Naxos.......2004-02-07

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)probably did more than any other composer to shape the symphony and the string quartet into the forms that became essential to subsequent Western music. In his more than 80 quartets, Haydn developed the form from various forms of light musical diversions to the most weighty form of chamber music -- or of all art music. In Haydn's quartets, the instruments speak to and with each other, sometimes seriously sometimes humorously, in an intimate conversation of part-writing that both shows the string quartet in full development and also prepares the way for quartets by later composers.

The Kodaly quartet, the performers here, are Hungarian musicians who have been playing as a unit since 1970. They have recorded all the Haydn quartets for the budget-priced Naxos label. They do an outstanding job on this music, and the low price should encourage listeners to explore these quartets. Haydn remains an undervalued composer and has unjustifiably remained in the shadow of Mozart and his great pupil, Beethoven.

The quartets are available in one large collection or on a disk-by-disk basis. I much prefer the later approach as I find it encourages me to spend more time with each individual work. In addition, it allows for the anticipation of fresh discovery as I get the opportunity to explore additional quartets.

This disk includes the first three of the quartets that Haydn published as a set of six in 1772. They are known as the "Sun" quartets because of the sun that appeared on the fronticepage of the first edition.

These three quartets are all serious and elevated in tone -- with little of the humor that is sometimes a Haydn feature. Each of the quartets has as a highpoint a long, expressive slow movement. Those unfamiliar with Haydn may be surprised at the depth he shows in his adagios.

The third quartet in particular, the quartet in G. minor, is unusual in that the slow movement, the third movement marked "poco adagio" is over ten minutes in length, far in excess of the opening allegro (six minutes). The movement opens with the four voices playing together a slow theme in the major, followed by a statement in the violins over a countertheme in the cello The theme ultimately broadens out with solo passages for each instrument, with the main theme stated finally by the violin and cello. The thematic development of this movement is stated twice in its entirety.

The remaining three movements of the third quartet are predominantly in the minor, although the quartet closes quietly in G major. The first movement features a brusque minor theme and a trilled figure in the upper strings. The second movement minuet also features a minor opening and contrasting themes for the first violin in the movement proper and in the trio. The final movement is a rondo with a minor theme and episodes in the major key.

The first two quartets of opus 20 are in E-flat major and C major. I found these quartets marked by their tranquil, serene, and intimate character. The E-flat quartet creates this mood at the outset with an opening, moderately fast theme followed by a slower second theme. There is close and intricate part-writing and voice leading throughout this fine quartet. The minuet features solo passages for the first violin and thematic material that alternates between the major and minor key. The third movement marked "affetuoso e sostenudo" is another beautiful slow movement. The final movement is lively with contrasting writing for the violins and the lower strings.

The second quartet, in C-major also conveys a feeling of serenity. Its opening movement features a theme first stated in the cello. The second movement is marked "Cappricio:adagio". It is in two sections, with the second much slower than the first. The passages for solo instruments in this movement are juxtaposed against passages in which the quartet plays together, and there is much solo writing for the cello. The third movement is a minuet, much faster than the second movement with a slower, smoother trio. There are passages for the upper register of the violin and for the solo cello in the trio. The final movement is a spirited but hardly boisterous fugue which shows Haydn's great skill in contrapuntal writing.

In listening to this disk, I imagined myself in a music room or intimate hall sharing in the joy of music-making. Although these quartets were written relatively early in Haydn's quartet-writing career, they show an awareness of the potentialities of the string quartet. These quartets are wonderful and accessible. The listener wishing to explore Haydn's quartets will enjoy this disk and other disk's in the Kodaly's cycle of Haydn quartets.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2002-04-24

Don't agree with the other reviewer (SJT). These are beautiful works beautifully performed, my favorite Haydn: serious and quiet music. The melody of the 2nd movement of No. 25 is genius, in my view. I have Op. 76 too, which I also like, though not quite as much as these. In this vein, allow me also to recommend the Boccherini quintets played by Ensemble 415 on Harmonia Mundi: one disc of quintets with two violas, the other of quintets with double bass, both at near-Naxos 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

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
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
  2. Haydn: The "Sturm und Drang" Symphonies
  3. Mozart: String Quartets (Complete Mozart Edition, Vol. 12)
  4. Schubert: The String Quartets
  5. Haydn: The Seven Last Words

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.
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
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    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
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    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.
    Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 3, 5 and 6
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The legend continious
    		 Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 3, 5 and 6

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    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 | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 1, 2, and 4
    2. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 9, Nos. 1, 3 and 4
    3. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 9, Nos. 2, 5 & 6
    4. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
    5. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

    ASIN: B00000J8D5
    Release Date: 1999-06-22

    Tracks:

    1. Presto
    2. Menuetto
    3. Largo
    4. Presto
    5. Andante Grazioso
    6. Menuetto: Allegretto
    7. Adagio
    8. Allegro Molto
    9. Moderato
    10. Menuetto
    11. Adagio
    12. Presto

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The legend continious.......2000-08-01

    The Kodaly Qaurtet series of Haydn string quartets is one of the best collections you can get.

    Already rated highly by Grammophone an Penguin, the legend is well and alive.

    Clean, full of soul performances are a pleasure to liste. recording is excellent.

    Buy it with confidence.
    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
      GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
      The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
      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, Op. 20 No's. 2, 5 & 6
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 No's. 2, 5 & 6

        Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
        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
        GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Haydn: String Quartets Op.20/1, 3, 4
        2. Beethoven: String Quartets, Vol. 6
        3. Haydn: The 3 String Quartets Op. 55 "Tost II"
        4. Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartets Op.54 - Lindsay String Quartet
        5. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 33 Nos. 3, 5 & 6

        ASIN: B00000IYNC
        Release Date: 1999-05-18

        Tracks:

        1. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in C: First Movement - Moderato
        2. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in C: Second Movement - Capriccio (Adagio)
        3. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in C: Third Movement - Menuet (Allegretto)
        4. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in C: Fourth Movement - Fuga a 4 Soggetti (Allegro)
        5. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in F Minor: First Movement - Moderato
        6. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in F Minor: Second Movement - Menuet
        7. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in F Minor: Third Movement - Adagio
        8. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in F Minor: Fourth Movement - Fuga a 2 Soggetti
        9. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in A: First Movement - Allegro di molto e scherzando
        10. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in A: Second Movement - Adagio
        11. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in A: Third Movement - Menuet
        12. String Quartets Op. 20 Nos. 2, 5, & 6: String Quartet in A: Fourth Movement - Fuga a 3 Soggetti (Allegro)

        Music Review:

        1. Ives: Holidays Symphony
        2. John Rutter: Te Deum and other church music
        3. John Williams: Treesong
        4. Kathleen Ferrier - Mahler ~ Kindertotenlieder & Gluck ~ Greene ~ Handel ~ Mendelssohn ~ Purcell / Baillie, Moore, B. Walter
        5. Leonard Rose: The Memorial Edition
        6. Let Your Voice Be Heard
        7. Liszt: Années de pèlerinage - Suisse
        8. Liszt: Sonata in B Minor; Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude
        9. Mahler: Symphonie No.3 in D Minor
        10. Mozart: Requiem

        Music Review

        music review

        Music Review

        The Other Side

        Leopold Godowsky 18 Studies On Chopin Etudes

        In Flanders' Fields, Vol. 18

        Buck Owens [Karaoke]

        Friendly, A Fat! Record Compilation: Session 1-2005

        Invoking the Bright Inner Masculine

        Fica Comigo Esta Noite [Import]

        In Motion [EP] [Limited Edition]

        Divinity Angels of Rock [Enhanced]

        Greatest Hits Live, Vol. 2: Encore Collection [Live]

        I Love a Piano: GRP Gold Encore Series

        Full Fool Rules [Import]

        Grand Theft Audio [Import]

        Aaron Copland: Greatest Hits

        Rituals