Kodály: String Quartets 1 & 2

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Kodály today is often considered a lesser Bartók, which is just about right. But much of his music is very much worth hearing, including these two early quartets (his only ones). The First Quartet, more than twice the length of the Second, is a compelling piece of late Romanticism. In the Second, Kodály has already found his folk voice and dance rhythms make this one of the few string quartets that will set your toes tapping. Since the appropriately named ensemble performs the music with such identification, this disc will fill your Kodály String Quartet needs permanently. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Allegro con spirito
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Adagio sostenuto
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Menuetto: Presto
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Finale: Allegro ma non troppo
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Allegro
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Andante o piu tosto allegretto
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Allegro ma non troppo
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Vivace assai
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: : Allegro
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Poco adagio, cantabile
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Menuetto: Allegro
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Buy This!.......2007-05-20

Whether you are a Haydn connosieur, or even a newbie curious in regard to this work (perhaps the greatest achievement in String Quartet history), this recording is outstanding. Although I might put the historically performed rendition of these works by the Quatuor Mosaique on a higher level of preference, it's simply my own personal taste (I often prefer performances of these works on period instruments...you might not). You can't go wrong with this cd. All the music is brought out in striking fashion by the Kodaly Q.

Don't even consider this one too much: GET it.

Here we go again trying words.......2006-06-04

Well, it is not often in my music collection of several hundred "classical" CD's that I find music that still moves me to tears. The quartets are so interesting for me on all levels and how could you find them better played? Many of Haydn's quartets are worth purchase but opus 76 has a special place in this genre. Every composer has a special area where he (not many she's unfortunately) has mastered. One thinks of Mozart and the operas or Beethoven and the symphonies. Well here is where Haydn has never been surpassed.

Unique Music.......2006-03-08

I don't really have add anything about this CD. The performances are excellent as is the recorded sound. I would like to say that new classical music lovers who have yet to advance to chamber music, should really enjoy this great music. The two named quartets are especially good with the finale of the 3rd quartet being one of my favorite movements in all of music.

Haydn at his most enjoyable and approachable.......2005-10-28

Do the recordings on this CD rank at the greatest of Haydn's work? IMHO, no (I reserve that for certain of his symphonies and masses); however, is everything you eat chock full of all of the nutrients you need with only the minimum amount of calories? The artists approach the music with style and delicacy. If you are or live with an aficionado of this musical era, I encourage you to add this CD to your/his/her collection.

wonderful recordings but be warned..........2005-09-22

if you are reading some of the other reviews saying that this music is as good as anything Mozart ever composed, beware. These quartets are excellent - and are worth owning if for no reason other than Haydn being an instrumental figure in the birth of the quartet as we know it. Haydn is credited with being a pioneer in developing independent voicing of all 4 instruments, and these mature late quartets show off his mastery of the form. However, these quartets are NOT Mozart. Haydn was an excellent composer, and while exceedingly original and inventive in his techniques and phrasings, his music does not resonate with the sheer genius of Mozart's late quartets (from K. 387 on). So if you are looking for something Mozartean here, you will not find it. If you are looking to discover more excellent music in the Classical style from the father of the Classical style, then you should definitely pick these discs up. Not only are the performances and recordings excellent, but at this price you cannot go wrong.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 1, No. 2 "The Joke", No. 5 "How do you do?"

Average customer rating:

Haydn's String Quartets, Opus 33
Warm, good humored and eventful Haydn
Warm, good humored and eventful Haydn
Warm, funny, charming and eventful Haydn

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 1, No. 2 "The Joke", No. 5 "How do you do?"

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"

ASIN: B0000013YE
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

Vivace Assai
Largo E Cantabile
Scherzo
Finale
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo
Largo E Sostenuto
Finale
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo
Andante
Finale

Amazon.com

Haydn's string quartet Op. 33 No. 2, The Joke, is one of the funniest things he ever wrote, and that's saying a lot because Haydn was the funniest composer in history. In fact, you might say that Haydn really invented the language of musical humor as part of his development of what we now call the classical style. These quartets were a crucial milestone, then, in musical history, and it's rare that such important artistic events are such a breezy good time too. In the finale of the The Joke Quartet, Haydn invents a principal theme that breaks up into four equal pieces. By making the pauses between each phrase longer and longer, it becomes impossible to tell when the music actually ends. Check it out for yourself and see if you get it right. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Haydn's String Quartets, Opus 33.......2007-02-19

I ordered this CD and its mate with the other three quartets of Opus 33. My interest in these six quartets was originally their importance as models for Mozart's six late quartets dedicated to Joseph Haydn. However, I discovered that these are great works on their own, in the same class as Mozart's. The differences between them show the differences in Mozart and Haydn's temperaments, rather than any difference in genius of the composer or excellence of workmanship.

The performances of the Kodaly Quartet are uniformly first-rate, and the quality of the reproduction is excellent.

Warm, good humored and eventful Haydn.......1999-09-19

The Naxos/Kodaly Quartet series of the complete Haydn string quartets offers a great way to acquire outstanding, historically ground-breaking music in warm, good humored and eventful performances that perfectly capture the spirit of the composer.

Warm, good humored and eventful Haydn.......1999-09-19

Warm, funny, charming and eventful Haydn.......1998-11-08

These Kodaly Qt. performances of three of the six Haydn op. 33 Quartets, like most of the Kodaly performances of Hadyn in their remarkable bargain series for Naxos, are warm, funny, charming and eventful performances. I've collected nine discs in this series and plan to collect more.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"

Average customer rating:

Hadyn for all tastes and pockets
A supreme classical bargain

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 74, Nos. 1-3
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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6

ASIN: B0000013QJ
Release Date: 1992-09-04

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.71, No.1, Hob.III: 69: Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, Op.71, No.1, Hob.III: 69: Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.71, No.1, Hob.III: 69: Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.71, No.1, Hob.III: 69: (Finale): Vivace
Str Qt in D, Op.71, No.2, Hob.III: 70: Adagio-Allegro
Str Qt in D, Op.71, No.2, Hob.III: 70: Adagio (Cantabile)
Str Qt in D, Op.71, No.2, Hob.III: 70: Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.71, No.2, Hob.III: 70: Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.71, No.3, Hob.III: 71: Vivace
Str Qt in E flat, Op.71, No.3, Hob.III: 71: Andante Con Moto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.71, No.3, Hob.III: 71: Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.71, No.3, Hob.III: 71: Finale: Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Hadyn for all tastes and pockets.......2004-11-06

Haydn's masterful series of string quartets is of great historical and musical importance. Not only did Hadyn establish the language and structure of the "classical" string quartet (four movements, the first in ABA sonata form, the second an adagio, the third a menuetto and a fast-paced finale), but he also showed that this basic format can be twisted without compromising the whole structure. In this set of opus 71 quartets, the second quartet starts with a slow introduction, which evolves to an Allegro. To somewhat compensate, the slow movement is more cantabile than usual. All opus 71 quartets are a masterful example of the string quartet in its classical format. The music is always inspiring and the Kodaly quartets capture extremely well the different tones and articulations of Haydn's inventiveness. In short, a startling performance of wonderful works at a price that can't be beaten. Could you ask for more?

A supreme classical bargain.......2000-08-07

This really is one of the supreme classical CD bargains. Normally I don't get near 'Naxos' items, but this is in a special class of its own. The Kodaly Quartet playing these beautiful Haydn works give strong, individual performances throughout. Immaculately recorded natural sound makes this a real discovery in all respects.

Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Many Hours of Magnificent Listening Pleasure

Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)
Kodly Quartet
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
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Mozart: String Quartets (Complete Mozart Edition, Vol. 12)
Schubert: The String Quartets
Haydn: The Seven Last Words

ASIN: B00004SSJF
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: L'Introduzione: Maestoso ed adagio
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata I: Pater, dimitte illis, non enim sciunt, quid faciunt (Largo)
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)
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)
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata IV: Eli, Eli, lama asabthani? (Largo)
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata V: Sitio (Adagio)
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata VI: Consummatum est! (Lento)
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Sonata VII: Peter! in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum - (Largo)
The Seven Last Words Of Jesus Christ - Op. 51, Hob. III: 50-56: Il terrmoto (Presto e con tutta la forza)
String Quartet No. 68 In D Minor, Op. 103 Hob. III: 83: Andante graziso
String Quartet No. 68 In D Minor, Op. 103 Hob. III: 83: Menuetto ma non troppo presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Adagio
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 1, Hob. III: 69: (Finale): Vivace
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Adagio-Allegro
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Adagio (cantobile)
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2, Hob. III: 70: Finale: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Vivace
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Andante con moto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Menuetto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 71, No. 3, Hob. III: 71: Finale: Vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Vivace
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Adagio
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 57: Finale: Adagio-Presto-Adagio
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Allegretto
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 54, No. 2, Hob. III: 58: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Allegro
String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Largo cantobile
String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Major, Op. 54, No. 3, Hob. III: 59: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Presto
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Minuet
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Adagio
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Minuet
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No. 1: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Allegro molto
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Adagio
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Adagio
String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Minuet
String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Scherzo: Presto
String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Menuet
String Quartet In D Flat Major Op. 1, No. 3: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Presto
String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Minuet
String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Adagio ma non tanto
String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Minuet
String Quartet In G Flat Major Op. 1, No. 4: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Adagio
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 0: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Presto assai
String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Minuet
String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Adagio
String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Minuet
String Quartet In C Major Op. 2, No. 6: Finale: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Allegro
String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Minuet
String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Adagio
String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Minuet
String Quartet In D Major Op. 2, No. 1: Finale: Allegro molto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Allegro molto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Minuet
String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Adagio
String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Minuetto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 2, No. 2: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Andante ed Innocentemente
Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Menuetto: Allegretto
Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Adagio e cantabile
Quartet No. 35 In D Minor, Op. 42: Finale: Presto
Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Presto
Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Menuet
Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Adagio
Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Menuet: Allegretto
Quartet No. 9 In F Major, Op. 2, No. 4: Finale: Allegro
Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Adagio With Variations
Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Menuet
Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Scherzo: Presto
Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Menuet
Quartet No. 10 In B Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 6: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Moderato
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Adagio
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 2 In F Major: Finale: Allegro di molto
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Moderato
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Adagio
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 1 In E Major: Finale: Presto
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Moderato
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Menuetto
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Adagio cantabile
String Quartet Op. 17 No. 4 In C Minor: Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Presto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Menuetto
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Largo
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 17, No. 6: Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Andate grazioso
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Adagio
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3: Allegro molto
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Moderato
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Menuetto
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Adagio
String Quartet In G Major, Op. 17, No. 5: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Adagio non lento
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Menuetto: Poco allegretto
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Finale: Vivace
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Vivace
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Adagio: Cantabile
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In C Major, Op. 50, No. 2: Finale: Vivace assai
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Andante piu tosto Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Allegro spirituoso
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Andante
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Menuetto: Poco allegretto
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 In F Sharp Minor: Finale: Fuga: Allegro moderato
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Allegro moderato
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Poco adagio
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 In F Major: Finale: Vivace
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Allegro
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Poco adagio
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 In D Major: Finale: Allegro con spirito

Customer Reviews:

Many Hours of Magnificent Listening Pleasure.......2007-02-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would gladly have paid twice as much for this set of CDs and still felt it was an excellent value. The CD booklet notes are well-written, with historical information, musical analysis, and information on the Kodaly Quartet. Very highly recommended.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 74, Nos. 1-3

Average customer rating:

Rôle model for the string quartet
Best of the Kodaly Quartet's Haydn Cycle

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 74, Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"
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Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

ASIN: B0000013QL
Release Date: 1992-09-04

Tracks:

String Quartet in C Major, Op. 74 No. 1, Hob. III: 72: Allegro (moderato)
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 74 No. 1, Hob. III: 72: II. Andantino (grazioso)
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 74 No. 1, Hob. III: 72: III. Menuetto: Allegro
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 74 No. 1, Hob. III: 72: IV. Finale: Vivace
String Quartet in F Major, Op. 74 No. 2, Hob. III: 73: Vivace
II. Andante grazioso
III. Menuetto
String Quartet in F Major, Op. 74 No. 2, Hob. III: 73: IV. Finale: Presto
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 74 No. 3, Hob. III: 74: 1: Allegro
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 74 No. 3, Hob. III: 74: II. Largo assai
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 74 No. 3, Hob. III: 74: III. Menuetto: (Allegretto)
String Quartet in G Major, Op. 74 No. 3, Hob. III: 74: IV. Finale: Allegro con brio

Customer Reviews:

Rôle model for the string quartet.......2004-11-07

The year is 1793, two years after Mozart's death. Haydn produces one of the absolute masterpieces of the whole history of the string quartets: the "Apponyi Quartets", which include six quartets (opus 71 and op 74, which is this recording). It is no surprise that Mozart dedicated to Haydn a set of six wonderful quarterts: he was recognizing Haydn's primacy on the string quartets genre. Haydn's response was masterly: the "Apponyi" quartets are widely recognized as one of the rôle models for all chamber music composers. Even very different works such as Beethoveen's opus 131, Bartok fifth quartet, and Carter's second quartet will be much better appreciated if one is very familiar with Hadyn's major works. The performance of the Kodaly quartet is hors-pair. Don't let the low price fool you: these recordings would be top recommendations even at triple the Naxos price. Buy them, and have a lifetime of enjoyment.

Best of the Kodaly Quartet's Haydn Cycle.......2000-04-09

Of Haydn's approximately 70 string quartets, at least 45 are "profound and profoundly different, absolutely flawless" masterpieces (according to Hans Keller, author of the definitive study of Haydn's quartets). In this magnificent (in both senses of the word) body of music, I find that the later a work was composed the more undeniably it deserves the title "masterpiece." Thus, the three quartets of Opus 74, written toward the end of Haydn's prolific career, are among his best.

The Kodaly Quartet took ten years (c. 1989-1998) to record the complete cycle of Haydn quartets on the budget-priced Naxos label; their performances, with few exceptions, are as good as any full-price rival. It is here, however, in Op. 74 (and in the companion Op. 71), that the Kodalys surpass all the competition. In Op. 20 the Mosaiques lead the field; of Op. 33 there are several fine versions; in Op. 50, the Salomons are strong contenders; in Opp. 54 & 55, the Lindsays are exceptionally fine; in Op. 64 I like the Fetstics Quartet. Even in their outstanding Op. 76 recordings, the Kodalys are not without rivals (e.g. the Tatrai Quartet). If you can afford it buy the entire cycle on Naxos (except Op. 20 - a good performance poorly recorded - and the rather uninspired early quartets of Opp. 1 & 2). Later you can add some of the other insightful interpretations, mentioned above (but get the Mosaiques' Op. 20 now). In Op. 74 the Kodaly are peerless; next to them, the Tatrai Quartet sounds sluggish, and the Salomon Quartet anemic. Listen, for instance, to the spirited but precise Allegro spiritoso first movement of the F Major quartet, or to the 'riding' finale of the G minor. The digital recorded sound is excellent.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 77, Nos. 1 & 2
Average customer rating:

For $9.00 This Is a Steal!

Unsatisfactory value

Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 77 No. 1 & 2

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 77, Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"

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Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 74, Nos. 1-3

ASIN: B000001455
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Allegro Moderato
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Adagio
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Menuetto: Presto
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Finale: Presto
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Allegro Moderato
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Menuet: Presto
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Andante
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Finale: Vivace Assai

Customer Reviews:

For $9.00 This Is a Steal!.......2007-05-31

These quartets, along with op.76, were obviously a massive influence on Beethoven's op.18 set. In my opinion. they completely overwhelm Beethoven's early output as a whole and pushed Ludwig Van to achieve greatness in his middle period.

It's apparent that the reason that Beethoven couldn't learn much from his lessons with Pappa Haydn was because the latter was really busy composing some of his greatest masterpieces like these quartets and the "Creation".

The performance here is excellent, perhaps a bit trebly and refined. But most music lovers want that from the recordings of Mozart and Haydn, which is just fine. And the compositions themselves are jaw-dropping...full of fascinating complexity, pre-Romantic era tidbits (check out the remote key changes throughout), and mature wit and style.

Unsatisfactory value.......2006-05-26

The playing is certainly good, but with only 51 minutes of music, and with Naxos's new non-bargain price, this is not your best choice. Other quartet ensembles, notably the outstanding Mosaiques Quartet, includes Op. 103, Haydn's last incomplete quartet, along with the Op. 77 works. This is a logical coupling and one that you should consider.

Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 77 No. 1 & 2.......2005-02-03

Haydn composed his opus 77 string quartets (there are only two) in 1799 and dedicated them to Prince Lobkowitz, who would also become a major patron of Beethoven. They are Haydn's last completed works in this form. Together with opus 76, the opus 77 works constitute the summit of Haydn's achievement in the string quartet. These two works are closely and intricately written with detailed part writing, counterpoint, and creative use of the sonata form. They manage to be both spacious and spare in structure. Yet for all their seriousness and craft, the opus 77 quartets are a delight to hear. Haydn had the extraordinary ability to be both accessible and deep. The quartets work at the level of the musical involvement of the listener. Put another way, Haydn had the ability to convey both cheerfulness and high seriousness in his music. This ability is at its height in these two quartets. Haydn scholar Karl Geringer observed in his study of the composer that these quartets were written "when true expression seemed more important to Haydn than a perfect balance between form and content." (Haydn: A Creative Life in Music at 323)

There are not many individual recordings of the opus 77 quartets. Thus it is doubly fortunate that they are available in an outstanding reading by the Kodaly Quartet as part of its cycle of the Haydn quartets and that the CD sells for a budget price on the Naxos label.

The first quartet in G major opens with an allegro moderato featuring a lilting first theme in the violin over a brushing accompaniment. The violin and the cello soon join in a dialogue over the theme. The exposition is expansive and lengthy but detailed at the same time. After a broad development section which moves widely among different keys, the exposition returns in a much-shortened recapitulation. The second movement is an adagio in a remote key from the opening movement. It features a singing theme given to the cello, and the meditative character of the movement is punctuated by several long pauses. The movement is serene, and it glows. The third movement is a minuet, which in both this quartet and the second quartet, is brusque and rapid almost in the manner of a Beethoven scherzo. This minuet features a gypsy-like theme. The finale is a rapid, lively presto with a great deal of counterpoint and interplay among the voices. The movement is througout based on the theme announced at its opening.

The second quartet of opus 77 is in F major and strikes me as more serene than its companion. The first movement, allegro moderato, begins with a single chord which is followed by a lyrical theme, and a slower-paced secondary theme. The movement develops tension during the development which ends in a minor key before returning to the opening material. The second movement of this quartet is the minuet which, again, is quick, rough and brusque. The contrasting trio is smoother in character and is placed in the lower part of the register of the instruments. The third movement, andante, is taken at a walking pace with a theme that grows in intensity as it proceeds. After a dramatic stop, the them is repeated in the cello accompanied by a lovely filigree in the violins. The finale, vivace assai, opens with a loud unison chord followed by a quirky, gay theme that is used throught the movement and subjected to contrapuntal treatment. It reaches a large climax, pauses, and rushes on to a light, joyful close.

Haydn was a masterful composer of string quartets and these, his final efforts, are among his greatest. They constitute pure music at its best and are full of the sheer joy and craft of music-making. Those listeners who would like to enhance their enjoyment of this music by reading a short but perceptive recent appreciation of Haydn may find rewarding Terry Teachout's article, "Haydn!" in the January, 2005 issue of "Commentary".

Haydn: String Quartets "Prussian", Op. 50, Nos. 1-3

Average customer rating:

Good, polished performances
A Classical Haydn
The Complete Haydn Quartets

Haydn: String Quartets "Prussian", Op. 50, Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: String Quartets Op. 9, Nos. 1, 3 and 4
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 3, 5 and 6

ASIN: B000009OM8
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Allegro
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Adagio non lento
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Menuetto: Poco allegretto
String Quartet In B Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1: Finale: Vivace
String Quartet In C Major Op.50, No. 2: Vivace
String Quartet In C Major Op.50, No. 2: Adagio: Cantabile
String Quartet In C Major Op.50, No. 2: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In C Major Op.50, No. 2: Finale: Vivace assai
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Allegro con brio
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Andante piu tosto Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Quartet In E Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 3: Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Good, polished performances.......2007-01-05

I bought this album because I have enjoyed other Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert recordings by the Kodaly String Quartet. Although the three quartets on this CD are not my favorites among the Haydn quartets, they are well-played by a polished group of seasoned professionals who do not exaggerate. Opus 50 Haydn is not early Beethoven or almost Schubert. These performances are very enjoyable. The CD is a worthy addition to your Haydn collection.

A Classical Haydn.......2004-04-14

I bought this recording because I wanted to explore some of the lesser known Haydn string quartets. Like others, I was impressed by reviews I'd read of the Kodaly/Haydn cycle, and the price was certainly modest. What I received is a delightful performance, recorded in a clear, rather distant acoustic. The Kodaly Quartet delivers the music without a distracting interpretive overlay. The performances show a seasoned ensemble working together in the service of the composer and his music. I liked the approach sufficiently to order a number of other recordings in the series. Some may prefer a more dramatic rendition, but I find the clarity and elegance of the Kodaly performance to accord better with the Classical restraint of the early Haydn. Given the sound quality, the performance, and the modest pricing, this is an easy recommendation. I think others will find it pleasurable as well.

The Complete Haydn Quartets.......2003-10-23

I bought a handful of CDs from Naxos featuring the Kodaly Quartet because they had fair reviews and were extremely cheap. At the very least I thought I would get a bargain.
Sadly, the performances are so stodgy and boring I am unable to listen to them. This is the kind of playing the perpetuates the myth that Haydn is somehow an `easier, lesser composer for warming a quartet concert audience.` The only person who might perhaps be interested in these performances might be an A level music studnet who needs ot study a specific work and is -very- short of cash.
There are plenty of modern alternatives such as the Emerson or Lindsays if you have tired of the older groups like the Hungarian, Budapest or even the Capet.

Kodaly: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 - Kodaly Quartet

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Kodaly: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 - Kodaly Quartet

Manufacturer: Hungaroton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Kodály: Music for Cello

ASIN: B00000305G
Release Date: 1995-03-10

Tracks:

Str Qt No.1 Op.2: I. Andante Poco Rubato-Allegro
Str Qt No.1 Op.2: II. Lento Assai, Tranquillo
Str Qt No.1 Op.2: III. Presto
Str Qt No.1 Op.2: IV. Allegro-Allegretto Semplice
Str Qt No.2 Op.10: I. Allegro
Str Qt No.2 Op.10: II. Andante. Quasi Recitativo-Allegro Giocoso

Amazon.com

Kodály today is often considered a lesser Bartók, which is just about right. But much of his music is very much worth hearing, including these two early quartets (his only ones). The First Quartet, more than twice the length of the Second, is a compelling piece of late Romanticism. In the Second, Kodály has already found his folk voice and dance rhythms make this one of the few string quartets that will set your toes tapping. Since the appropriately named ensemble performs the music with such identification, this disc will fill your Kodály String Quartet needs permanently. --Leslie Gerber

Average customer rating:

An Outstanding Recording of Beautiful Music
Enjoyable music, expertly played

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 1, Nos. 1-4

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haydn: String Quartets from Opp. 1 & 2
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 9, Nos. 1, 3 and 4
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 9, Nos. 2, 5 & 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 3, 5 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 17, Nos. 1, 2, and 4

ASIN: B0000013QN
Release Date: 1994-02-10

Tracks:

String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No.1: Presto
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No.1: Minuet
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No.1: Adagio
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No.1: Minuet
String Quartet In B Flat Major Op. 1, No.1: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1,No. 2: Allegro molto
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Adagio
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Minuet
String Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 1, No. 2: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In D Major Op. 1, No.3: Adagio
String Quartet In D Major Op. 1, No.3: Minuet
String Quartet In D Major Op. 1, No.3: Scherzo: Presto
String Quartet In D Major Op. 1, No.3: Menuet
String Quartet In D Major Op. 1, No.3: Finale: Presto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 1, No.4: Presto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 1, No.4: Minuet
String Quartet In G Major Op. 1, No.4: Adagio ma non tanto
String Quartet In G Major Op. 1, No.4: Minuet
String Quartet In G Major Op. 1, No.4: Finale: Presto

Amazon.com

This is it, folks--the first string quartets in the history of the universe! The story of how they came to be is well known: it seems that Haydn was hanging out with a few musical pals in the Austro-Hungarian nobility one dull day in the 1760s, and instead of the usual two violins and a cello, he had an extra viola. Put them all together and voila! The rest is history. These early string quartets (there are 10 of them in all) were a smash hit, inspiring imitations all over Europe, but nothing could quite match the originals for charm and inspiration. So treat yourself to this excellent, budget-priced CD and own a highly entertaining bit of musical history. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Recording of Beautiful Music.......2006-08-13

When the four quartets on this CD were recorded, in 1991, the Kodaly Quartet ("KQ") had been playing together for more than twenty years. It shows. What is evident in this recording, as in all of the KQ's recordings of the entire Haydn cycle of string quartets, is the perfect cohesion of these highly talented musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowledge of the score 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 this CD have a wonderful rhythmic vitality, such as in the Scherzo of Opus 1, No. 3. Other movements, such as the Finale: Presto of Op. 1, No. 2, convey a charming playfulness and joy. While listening to the allegro and minuet movements, one can imagine elegantly dressed men and women in the 18th century, with the women in long, flowing silk dresses, dancing to this 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 adagio movements are played with a beautiful tenderness that invites the listener to close his eyes and float upwards into a serene musical heaven. For example, I have listened to the adagio of Haydn's Op. 1, No. 1 String Quartet many times since getting this CD; its long notes at the beginning of the movement, with a long pause that is then followed by the sweetly singing violin, with the viola and cello providing a gently soothing background rhythm, are of great beauty; when I listen to this movement, I feel as if I'm 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.

This digital recording, made at the Unitarian Church in Budapest, has a superb sound quality that is crystal clear, capturing the KQ's precision and their sensitivity to every nuance of every note. The sound engineering is truly first-rate, and gives 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 very highly pleased with this series of the complete Haydn string quartets by the KQ. Rather than buying the complete set at once, I acquired it by buying the CDs one-by-one and enjoying each one individually. Having begun by getting Haydn's later quartets, that are widely recognized as his greatest ones, I at first hesitated to get his very earliest efforts in that genre, wondering if they might be in some way disappointing when compared to, for example, his Prussian quartets.

As it turns out, every volume in the series has been a delight, including the ones that have the Opus 3 quartets that were once attributed to Haydn and are now widely believed to have been composed by Romanus Hoffstetter (1742 - 1815).

The clear consensus of musicologists is that these early works are not at nearly the same level of musical inventiveness and complexity as Haydn's later quartets, the ones that are widely recognized as his greatest masterpieces of chamber music. Yet, as the previous reviewer points out, while Haydn's first string quartets are historically significant, they are more than mere historical footnotes. They are also beautiful music. Even these early first four quartets, thought to have been composed between 1757 and 1761, when Haydn was in his middle to late twenties, are wonderful compositions in their own right. The fact that they are less musically complex than his great string quartet masterpieces, such as the Opus 71, "Apponyi" quartets, in no way detracts from their beauty for me, especially in the adagio movements. Having now listened several times to this CD of Haydn's very first string quartets, I feel that if I had only heard his late quartets, I would have missed something wonderful.

I would gladly have paid twice as much for this CD and still felt it was an excellent value. In fact, it's almost unbelievable that a recording of such high quality is available at such a low price. The CD booklet has a well-written, extensive, informative essay, containing historical information, a musical analysis of these string quartets, and information on the Kodaly Quartet. Very highly recommended. Playing Time = 75:21.

Enjoyable music, expertly played.......2003-06-02

These quartets do have a place in musical history. They contain the germs of the ideas that developed not only into the string quartets of Mozart and Beethoven but also into the classical symphony. (In fact, the Op. 1, No. 5 quartet - on another disc in the Kodaly Quartet's Haydn quartet cycle - has been found with wind instrument parts. Haydn himself evidently performed it as an early symphony, not just as a string quartet.)

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat Op.1 No.5: Presto
Str Qt in E flat Op.1 No.5: Minuet
Str Qt in E flat Op.1 No.5: Adagio
Str Qt in E flat Op.1 No.5: Minuet
Str Qt in E flat Op.1 No.5: Finale: Presto
Str Qt in C Op.1 No.6: Presto Assai
Str Qt in C Op.1 No.6: Minuet
Str Qt in C Op.1 No.6: Adagio
Str Qt in C Op.1 No.6: Minuet
Str Qt in C Op.1 No.6: Finale: Allegro
Str Qt in A Op.2 No.1: Allegro
Str Qt in A Op.2 No.1: Minuet
Str Qt in A Op.2 No.1: Adagio
Str Qt in A Op.2 No.1: Minuet
Str Qt in A Op.2 No.1: Finale: Allegro Molto
Str Qt in E Op.2 No.2: Allegro Molto
Str Qt in E Op.2 No.2: Minuet
Str Qt in E Op.2 No.2: Adagio
Str Qt in E Op.2 No.2: Menuetto
Str Qt in E Op.2 No.2: Finale: Presto

Amazon.com

Haydn's first ten quartets are often referred to as "quartet divertimenti," because like the serenade of divertimento, they have an extra dance movement, giving them five movements instead of the more traditional four. Of course, since Haydn invented the string quartet in the first place, it's a little hard to talk about "traditional" anything, but the serenade concept does indeed seem to characterize these warm, sunny pieces that have retained their popularity for over two and a quarter centuries. As is always the case with invention in musical history, once Haydn the string quartet genie out of the bottle, everyone tried to get into the act, but these really are the first works of their kind. All revolutions should be so much fun! --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Recording of Beautiful Music.......2006-08-13

When the four quartets on this CD were recorded, in 1991, the Kodaly Quartet ("KQ") had been playing together for more than twenty years. It shows. What is evident on this recording, as on all of the KQ's recordings of the entire Haydn cycle of string quartets, is the perfect cohesion of these highly talented musicians; they clearly have an intimate knowledge of the score 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 this CD have a wonderful rhythmic vitality, such as in the Finale: Allegro Molto of Opus 2, No. 1. Other movements, such as the Finale: Presto of Op. 1, No. 5, convey a charming playfulness and joy. While listening to the allegro and minuet movements, one can imagine elegantly dressed men and women in the 18th century, with the women in long, flowing silk dresses, dancing to this 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 adagio movements are played with a beautiful tenderness that invites the listener to close his eyes and float upwards into a serene musical heaven. For example, when I listen to the adagio of Haydn's Op. 2, No. 2 String Quartet, with its long notes at the beginning of the movement, and the sweetly singing violin, as the viola and cello providing a gentle response and soothing rhythm anchoring its melody, I feel as if I'm 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.

This digital recording, made at the Unitarian Church in Budapest, has a superb sound quality that is crystal clear, capturing the KQ's precision and their sensitivity to every nuance of every note. The sound engineering is truly first-rate, and gives 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 very highly pleased with this series of the complete Haydn string quartets by the KQ. Rather than buying the complete set at once, I acquired it by buying the CDs one-by-one and enjoying each one individually. Having begun by getting Haydn's later quartets, that are widely recognized as his greatest ones, I at first hesitated to get his very earliest efforts in that genre, wondering if they might be in some way disappointing when compared to, for example, his Prussian quartets.

As it turns out, every volume in the series has been a delight, including the ones that have the Opus 3 quartets that were once attributed to Haydn and are now widely believed to have been composed by Romanus Hoffstetter (1742 - 1815).

The clear consensus of musicologists is that these early works are not at nearly the same level of musical inventiveness and complexity as Haydn's later quartets, the ones that are widely recognized as his greatest masterpieces of chamber music. Yet, as the previous reviewer points out, while Haydn's first string quartets are historically significant, they are more than mere historical footnotes. They are also beautiful music. Even these four early quartets, thought to have been composed between 1757 and 1762, when Haydn was in his middle to late twenties, are wonderful compositions in their own right. The fact that they are less musically complex than his great string quartet masterpieces, such as the Opus 71, "Apponyi" quartets, in no way detracts from their beauty for me, especially in the adagio movements. Having now listened to this CD of Haydn's early string quartets, I feel that if I had only heard his late quartets, I would have missed something wonderful.

I would gladly have paid twice as much for this CD and still felt it was an excellent value. In fact, it's almost unbelievable that a recording of such high quality is available at such a low price. The CD booklet has a well-written, extensive, informative essay, containing historical information, a musical analysis of these string quartets, and information on the Kodaly Quartet. Very highly recommended. Playing Time = 66:10

Sunny and Simple.......2006-01-02

With Opus 1 being the first musical work a composer deems worthy of publication, one would not expect it to be a monumental composition (except in the case of Beethoven's brilliant Op. 1 piano trios). And in Haydn's case, these light, sunny but simple compositions are not. Much of the quartet part writing is in unison with few opportunities for contrapunctal interplay, virtuostic display or freeing of the cello part. While they contain many pleasant melodies and carefree discourse, Haydn's Op. 1 and 2 "quartets" don't quite exude the sparkle and magic of Mozart's famous divertimenti pieces for galas, balls and celebrations.

But, there is much to enjoy in these works - certainly they pleasant, uninstrusive background music. Perhaps one major contribution of such early works like these is to serve as a contrasting reference point to view the great, later quartets of Haydn. Often one starts in Haydn's string quartets with Op. 33, 64 or 76 - works of great depth, maturity and richness - and is not aware of the origins of such superiorly developed works. The Op. 1 and 2 quartets give that reference point and, after hearing them, one might appreciate the later compositions in a deeper way - prehaps not unlike experiencing a truly fine wine after tasting lesser vintages. At least that was my experience with hearing these early works after years of listening to the later quartets.

Regardless of such perspectives, the Kodaly Quartet exhibit their fine musicianship here, playing these simpler quartets with much care and heartfelt expression. The sound quality of these earliest recordings in the series have a bit more resonance and "spacial ambiance" - likely due to the engineers fine-tuning the setting as this slight difference dissipated in subsequent recordings. But, there is really nothing to cite as an major deficiency for not purchasing the set if you enjoy the simple beauty of string divertimenti music.

However, if you are looking to start to build a Haydn String Quartet collection, there are more rewarding choices than the Op. 1 or 2. Starting with a few in Op. 3 - and really with Op. 9 - Haydn began the foundation of modern string-quartet dynamics, so these are a better recommended starting point. But, the real creme of Haydn's quartets began with Op. 20, continued with 33 and 64, finally consumating with Op. 76. Haydn's Op. 9, 50, and 77 are also substantial but less recommended before the others. But, regardless of what you pick, the Kodaly Quartet series is among the finest choices (and best value of course), receiving universally high marks from music critics like Penguin Guide or Third Ear Guide. For those who prefer the more dramatic tones and textures of period instruments, the brilliant Austrian ensemble, The Quatuor Mosaiques, is at the top of the field. If can only get one set, their Op. 20 is very special and one of the finest chamber recordings in the catalog.

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