Haydn: The String Quartets [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
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

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. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6

Average customer rating:

exemplifying the full extent of Haydn's virtuosity
Haydn's "Famous 30" Quartets
Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Op. 76 nos. 4-6
Best of the Best
Brilliantly performed Haydn string quartets!

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

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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

ASIN: B0000013OQ
Release Date: 1992-09-04

Tracks:

Allegro Con Spirito
Adagio
Menuetto: Allegro
Finale: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Allegretto - Allegro
Largo Cantabile E Mesto
Menuetto: Allegro
Finale: Presto
Allegretto - Allegro
Fantasia: Adagio
Menuetto: Presto
Finale: Allegro Spirituoso

Customer Reviews:

exemplifying the full extent of Haydn's virtuosity.......2006-07-20

For me it is the late Haydn string quartets, more so than the late symphonies, that afford us a full demonstration of his consummate compositional mastery. For as good as the London Symphonies are, if you listen to them alongside Mozart's great symphonies they really do not quite measure up; but the late quartets are second not even to Mozart's best works in the genre, endowed as they are with magnificent complexity, ingenious subtlety, and profound sophistication.

The Op. 76 quartets are the place to start in listening to Haydn's quartets. He sometimes equaled these exemplary compositions, in earlier works as well as later ones, but he never bettered them. Op. 76 belong to that rarefied list of powerful, progressive masterworks written at the end of his life that includes the Trumpet Concerto, The Creation, Paukenmesse, and, yes, the aforementioned London Symphonies.

(Especially beautiful on this disc is the adagio of the E-flat quartet: harmonically adventurous, mysterious, and captivating, I've returned to it more than once.)

I have elsewhere stated my preference and conviction for authentic, "period instrument" performances of these works; while I do prefer the accounts of the Quatuor Mosaïques to these readings, then, I at the same time insist that these are interpretations not to be missed. Readings of the Baroque and Classical literature on modern instruments can still be very effective, if an awareness of the character and function of timbre and sonority in those historical musical languages is incorporated into playing of skill and good judgement (the academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Neville Mariner, for example, have committed excellent performances of the late Mozart symphonies to disc on modern instruments). The Kodály Quartet are a first-rate ensemble and they dig into these pieces with expertise and enthusiasm. And for only ten dollars per disk on Naxos, you really mustn't pass on these recordings.

Haydn's "Famous 30" Quartets.......2005-07-29

This is general review of the Naxos series of Haydn's string quartets.

You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for." This is usually true for sure ... but once in a while in life something comes around whose quality and value far exceed the price. Such is the case with the Naxos recordings of the Kodaly Quartet. These are performances of top caliber recorded with very good to excellent sound quality.

But, where to start with so many Haydn quartets? One suggestion is to get the Naxos SETS of these works which are an even more stellar bargin. You can get them at rediculously low prices used on Amazon usually. But, if you are buying one CD at-a-time (which perhaps allows for more appreciation and slower savoring), you might focus on what is known as "Haydn's Top 30." This is a list of Haydn's quartets that are recognized by many experts as his finest: Op. 3 (no. 3,5) - Op.9 (no. 2) - Op. 17 (no. 5) - Op. 20 (no. 4,5,6) - Op. 33 (No. 2,3,6) - Op. 50 (no. 6) - Op. 54 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 64 (all) - Op. 74 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 76 (all) - Op. 77 (no. 1,2).

Quartets prior to Op. 17 have more of a simpler, pleasant "galante" style ... Op. 20 sees Haydn fully in his "Storm & Stress" period with bold harmonies and dynamic rhythms ... By Op. 33 Haydn had moved on from the pre-Romantic-era emotive composing of Op. 20 and adopted a more lyrical style .... the quartets of Op. 64 have a really gorgeous and relaxed style ... then in Op. 76 & 77 we see the pinnacle of Haydn's quartet craft late in his life with quartets rich in intelligent form, complex part writing and more grand 'symphonic' harmonies - part due to his writing for large London audiences. A good place to start is to get one CD each from Haydn's early, middle and late periods - like Op. 3, Op. 33 and Op. 76 - and see the development that occured as Haydn literally gave birth to the modern string quartet.

Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Op. 76 nos. 4-6.......2004-10-05

Joseph Haydn wrote the six string quartets of opus 76 in 1797 when he was at the height of his powers. The quartets were dedicated to Haydn's patron, Count Edody, and are known as the "Erody" quartets. The first three quartets of opus 76 appear on a separate Naxos CD by the Kodaly Quartet. In fact, the Kodaly Quartet has recorded the entire series of Haydn quartets at a budget price. The opus 76 quartets in particular are music-making at its highest level. These quartets are engaging and accessible to hear and to play (they were composed to be played) and are yet filled with imagination, inventiveness, and musical content. In describing the opus 76 quartets, Karl Geiringer writes in his "Haydn: A Creative Live in Music" (p. 321) that "[e]verything here is condensed and intensified, the expression more personal and more direct." This award-winning CD by the Kodaly Quartet includes the 4,5, and 6th quartet and is a joy.

The quartet no. 4 in B-flat major is known as the "Sunrise" after the running, rising theme in the first violin, set over heavy chords, with which it opens. The first movement, marked allegro con spirito, is a movement of contrasts. As do several other movements on this CD, it features alternating sections of fast and slow sections, rising and falling solo themes, and ensemble and solo playing. The second movement, marked adagio, continues to alternate solo passages for the violin with intricate playing for the entire ensemble. There is also a lovely theme deep in the lower register of the cello. This is a slow, sad movement. The third movement is a minuet which features echoing falling two-note figures heavily accented at the end of each phrase. The trio continues the pattern established in the earlier movements by having a solo theme sing out over chords in the remainder of the ensemble. The final movement is a rondo which opens with a whimsical, song-like theme played in the ensemble. As the movement progresses, the tempo increases, and the quartet ends humorously with a whirwind version of the rondo theme.

The fifth quartet in D major is unique in that each of the four movements develop essentially the same thematic material. The opening movement is an allegretto which opens quietly and lyrically in the violin. Here again, the movement dramatically picks up in tempo near the conclusion. The second movement of the work marked "Largo cantabile e mesto" (very slow, singing, and troubled) is the highpoint of this work. The slow movement is substantially longer than the opening movement, which is itself highly unusual in a composition of this period. The movement opens with a slow stately theme followed by an intense middle section in different harmonies and then a return of the opening material. The minuet opens in the alto voice of the strings, but the most striking feature of this movement is the ruminative, running solo for the cello in the trio. The finale, marked presto, consists of a running theme over a brushing figure in the strings. It reminded me of a Russian folk tune and of Beethoven's middle quartets.

The sixth and final quartet of opus 76 is in E-flat major and brings an extraordinary end to the set. The first movement, marked allegro-allegretto, is a set of variations based on a call and response theme. The variations feature solo instruments embellishing the theme as played by the ensemble. Again, this movement masterfully alternates fast and slow sections and ensemble and solo playing. There is a great deal of counterpoint throughout. The second movement marked "Fantasia:Adagio" is full of adventurous harmonic writing based upon rapid and ambiguous movements from one key to another. In much of this movement, Haydn dispensed with the use of a key signature, giving both the music and the notation a strikingly modern flavor. The third movement, a minuet, opens with a theme with many turns and twists for the violin in its upper register. But, again, the striking portion of this movement is in the trio. Haydn writes it in an old form called the Alternativo. The pattern is a rising heavily rhythmic passage in the cello playing the major scale, followed by a descending passage playing the scale. This is a delight to follow when one is prepared for it. The finale, allegro spirituoso, is based upon a falling figure. It is light and rapid and shows Haydn's mastery of counterpoint.

The music of these quartets, and of the earlier three quartets of opus 76 is inexhaustible. This CD is an outstanding introduction to chamber music and to the music of Haydn.

Best of the Best.......2001-11-16

I certainly agree with the other reviewer on this page: With the possible addition of Op. 77 No. 1, the three quartets on this Naxos CD represent the greatest, and most appealing, quartet music that Haydn produced. And that's saying a lot because there are many other treasures among Haydn's string quartets.

Finest of all is the "Fifths Quartet," so called because of the first violinist's widely spaced intervals at the start of the first movement. Haydn is not always congenial when he writes in the minor key, but here he creates a movement of great drama and energy that is unique in his oeuvre. The other movements are just as fine, especially the remarkable canonic scherzo, a bewitching witches' dance.

But then the other quartets are no also-rans. The "Emperor" features lovely variations on Haydn's own hymn to the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ("Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken") and a last movement of great dash and sparkle. And the "Sunrise" has that wonderfully evocative rising figure at the beginning of the movement that gave the quartet its name.

The Kodaly Quartet, as throughout their Haydn cycle, show they are to the manner born. They caress those lovely variations with a much tenderness, then throw themselves with great abandon into the fiery "Fifths" quartet. All of which makes for just about the best performances of these quartets on disc. Naxos adds a warm yet clear and detailed recording to top off a highly distinguished release.

Brilliantly performed Haydn string quartets!.......2000-07-12

This CD contains the last three of Joseph Haydn's "Erdody" string quartets, Op. 76. (The quartets were named for Count Erdody, to whom Haydn dedicated them.) Many musicologists consider the "Erdody" quartets to be the finest of the 83 Haydn composed during his long life, and the Kodaly Quartet validates that consideration with superbly warm, enthusiastic, and poetic performances. Throughout the three quartets, Haydn's marvelously infectious optimism and sunny disposition are readily evident. Especially enjoyable is the beginning of Op. 76 No. 4, which begins very softly and builds to a crescendo that gives the musical impression of a sunrise (hence the quartet's nickname - "Sunrise.")

The engineering and sound quality of this CD are excellent. The balance between four members of the quartet is nearly perfect, giving the performances a wonderful sense of realism and immediacy. The acoustics of the recording venue are warm and spacious.

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: I. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: I. Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: V. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: I. Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: V. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: I. Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: III. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: V. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: III. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: V. Presto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: I. Presto Assai
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: I. Allegro
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: V. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: I. Allegro Molto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: IV Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: V. Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: I. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: III. Presto: Scherzo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: V. Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: II. Menuetto: Un Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: III. Largo
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: I. Poco Adagio: Theme And Vars
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: III. Largo Cantabile
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: II. Menuet
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: II. Menuet: Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: I. Andante Grazioso
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: IV. Finale: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: I. Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: III. Adagio
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: II. Menuet
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: III. Largo
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: III. Largo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: IV. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: II. Largo E Cantabile
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: II. Andante
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: III. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in d, Op.42: I. Andante Ed Innocentemente
Str Qt in d, Op.42: II. Menuet
Str Qt in d, Op.42: III. Adagio E Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.42: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: I. Allegro Spirito
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: II. Andante
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: IV. Fuga: Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: IV. Finale: Vivace
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': I. Allegro
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: II. Allegretto
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: III. Menuet
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: IV. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: I. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: II. Adagio -
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: IV. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: I. Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: II. Largo
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , and Guarneri Quartet
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge
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Mozart: String Quartets K. 575, K. 589, K. 590

ASIN: B0001TSWPA
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Allegro Vivace Assai
Menuetto; Allegro
Andante Cantabile
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto
Allegretto Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Andante Con Moto
Menuetto
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Vivace
Menuetto
Adagio
Allegro Assai

Tracks:

Allegro
Menuetto
Andante
Allegro Non Troppo
Adagio; Allegro Vivace
Andante Cantabile
Menuetto
Allegro

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. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6

Average customer rating:

Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 20 nos 4-6
Lifetime listening pleasure

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

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B0000013WN
Release Date: 1994-02-15

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

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:

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

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.

Average customer rating:

A well chosen album title
Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer
A perfect birthday gift
Jest with Zest
I want to play the variations myself!

Happy Birthday
Gidon Kremer , and Kremerata Baltica
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Kremerland
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Silencio
After Mozart

ASIN: B00006JP2B
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Polka
Thema
Variation Nach Joseph Haydn
Variation Nach Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Variation Nach Ludwig Van Beethoven
Variation Nach Johannes Brahms
Variation Nach Robert Schumann
Variation Nach Antonin Dvorak
Polka/Valse
Variation Im Stil Von Filmmusik
Ragtime
Tango
Czardas
Adagio
Allegretto
Ad Libitum
Allegro. Presto
Variations Brillantes Et Concertantes Sur L'air 'God Save The King,' Op.38
Elegy
McMozart's Eine Kleine Bricht Moonlicht Nicht Musik
I. Eine Kleine Nichtmusik
II. Moonlight Concerto
III. Chaconne A Son Gout
IV. Hommage To Shostakofiev
Souvenir

Amazon.com

To celebrate its sixth anniversary as an ensemble, Kremerata Baltica presents a light, loving, and musically interesting confection. After an opening polka by Schnittke (who knew he could be so frothy?), we get 11 variations on the song "Happy Birthday" by Peter Heidrich, à la Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and some dance movements. Delightful. Elsewhere, Franz Waxman's Variations on "Auld lang syne" are as clever as they are unexpected and charming. More variations--this time on "God save the King" by the 19th century composers Ghys and Servais--afford Kremer and cellist Marta Sudraba a fine time, and Teddy Bor's brief riff on Mozart's omnipresent "Eine kleine nachtmusik" is a hoot. There's more, but the point is made: Classical music can be fun and sophisticated, and Kremer and his group remain virtuosi, one and all. --Robert Levine

Album Description

These young Baltic musicians possess a vivid spectrum of string color, thoroughly polished execution, and a direction of effort in service to the composer... There is no violinist with greater versatility and commitment to musical truth than Kremer. Slipcase. Nonesuch. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A well chosen album title.......2007-01-10

I was desperately looking through the internet for a tango "happy birthday" and the tune was there, in this album. After I purchased the cd, I read the booklet included and there I found mentioned that "the album's title is not merely a reference to the popular tune, but a celebration of the ensemble's anniversary". So, I was happy to have finally found a tango "happy birthday" but I was also disappointed because this was not the playful album I was looking forward to listen to.
But this is a bit unfair for this excellent orchestra.
If what you are looking for is innovations on the romantic classicals... well this could be it. The point is that this is an album for listeners who know their way into classical music.
Other than that I should suggest that innovation regarding any classical music "playful" album would be to capture the listener's interest with more daring ways than that.

Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer.......2007-01-09

This is a nice "classic" touch for any birthday celebration--great musical treatment of a most familiar tune!

A perfect birthday gift.......2006-01-26

I bought it out of my own devotion to Gidon Kremer and another one for a food friend's birthday. Kremer never let me down. This is another outstanding CD and a perfect birthday gift, even for non-classical lovers. However, to be very honest, I am not totally satisfied with all the tracks but still it's highly recommended. I would say it is an almost-must-have for your CD shelf. The variation of the traditional 'Happy Birthday' is fantastic if not too commercial.

Jest with Zest.......2005-11-26

If you enjoy parodies, this will be the perfect album for you. The jokes played on the various composers are amusing and refreshing, especially for music students who bore their brains out analysing these composers. Take a fresh view and enjoy! Even though they may seem meaningless initially, they grow onto you soon enough; and you will start asking - why not?

I want to play the variations myself!.......2004-07-22

My God...I will be too grateful to anyone who can show me where I can get the printed music of the "Happy Birthday" variation ....

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
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
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.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

Average customer rating:

Haydn's Op 33 String Quartets
Haydn's Top 30 Quartets

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B0000013YF
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Allegretto
Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Finale: Rondo-Presto
Vivace Assai
Andante
Scherzo: Allegretto
Finale: Allegretto
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Allegretto
Largo
Finale: Presto

Amazon.com

Haydn claimed that his Op. 33 string quartets were composed in a "new and special way," and ever since musical scholars have been arguing about what he meant. Was it mere advertising, or is something different really going on? One this is certain: in place of the usual minuet movement, Haydn invented something called a "Scherzo," which means "joke" in Italian--an innovation that was immediately taken up by Beethoven and just about every composer since. These were also the string quartets that inspired Mozart to compose his great Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn, making them one of the most influential set of pieces in the history of music. Witty, sophisticated, and tuneful, the music itself is its own best advertisement. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Haydn's Op 33 String Quartets.......2007-02-19

Haydn's Top 30 Quartets.......2005-07-29

This is general review of the Naxos series of Haydn's string quartets.

You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for." This is usually true for sure ... but once in a while in life something comes around whose quality and value far exceed the price. Such is the case with the Naxos recordings of the Kodaly Quartet. These are performances of top caliber recorded with very good to excellent sound quality.

But, where to start with so many Haydn quartets? One suggestion is to get the Naxos SETS of these works which are an even more stellar bargin. But, if you are buying one CD at-a-time (which perhaps allows for more appreciation and slower savoring), you might focus on what is known as "Haydn's Top 30." This is a list of Haydn's quartets that are recognized by many experts as his finest: Op. 3 (no. 3,5) - Op.9 (no. 2) - Op. 17 (no. 5) - Op. 20 (no. 4,5,6) - Op. 33 (No. 2,3,6) - Op. 50 (no. 6) - Op. 54 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 64 (all) - Op. 74 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 76 (all) - Op. 77 (no. 1,2).

Quartets prior to Op. 17 have more of a simpler, pleasant "galante" style and are quite enjoyable for "everyday listening" ... Op. 20 sees Haydn fully in his "Storm & Stress" period with bold harmonies and dynamic rhythms ... By Op. 33 Haydn was over his pre-Romantic-era emotive composing and returned to a more lyrical style .... Op. 64 has a really gorgeous and relaxed style ... then in Op. 76 & 77 we see the pinnacle of Haydn's craft late in his life with quartets rich in intelligent construction, complex part writing and more grand 'symphonic' harmonies - part due to his writing for large London audiences. A good place to start is to get one CD each from roughly Haydn's early-middle-late periods - like Op. 3, Op. 33 and Op. 76 and see the development that occured as Haydn literally gave birth to the modern string quartet.

Another quartet with a keen affinity for Haydn is the Austrian quartet, Quatuor Mosaiques, whose vivid recordings of Op. 20, 33, 64, 76 and 77 have won critical acclaim for their in-depth readings and beautiful sound. Using period instruments, the Mosaiques' recordings in general are more dramatic in style and tone generally than the Kodaly Quartet (using modern instruments) and are considered by most to be the finest of any period-instrument quartet right now. Their award-winning Op. 20 recording is most exceptional and dramatic. But the Kodaly Quartet with their lucious, smooth-sounding Haydn recordings gets universally high marks from most reviewers and is the finest value bar none. Go for the sets for the best value.

Average customer rating:

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

ASIN: B0000013WM
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Minuet: Un Poco Allegretto
Affetuoso E Sostenuto
Finale: Presto
Moderato
Capriccio: Adagio
Minuet: Allegretto
Fuga A Quattro Soggetti
Allegro Con Spirito
Minuet: Allegretto
Poco Adagio
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:

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.

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.

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.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

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