Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 76 "Erdödy Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If the number of nicknames is any indication of popularity, then this particular set must contain the most famous of all Haydn's quartets. It's got the "Emperor," the "Sunrise," and the "Fifths," and one of these, the "Fifths," even has a nickname within a nickname: the "Witch's Minuet." All of which means that less attention gets paid to the other three works in the group, which is a particular pity because the uninterestingly named Quartet in E-flat, Op. 76 No. 6, is probably the best one of all. It's certainly the funniest, at least. This recording, incidentally, established the Tatrai Quartet as the premier Haydn performers of our generation. Go for it. --David Hurwitz

Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 76 "Erdödy Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet, Music, Franz Joseph Haydn, Tátrai Quartet, Chamber, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Quartet for Four String Instruments
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 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:
  1. Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
  2. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 1, No. 2 "The Joke", No. 5 "How do you do?"
  3. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"
  4. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
  5. Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

ASIN: B0000013OQ
Release Date: 1992-09-04

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Con Spirito
  2. Adagio
  3. Menuetto: Allegro
  4. Finale: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  5. Allegretto - Allegro
  6. Largo Cantabile E Mesto
  7. Menuetto: Allegro
  8. Finale: Presto
  9. Allegretto - Allegro
  10. Fantasia: Adagio
  11. Menuetto: Presto
  12. Finale: Allegro Spirituoso

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

Awarded a "rosette" by the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs, (the "rosette" is the Penguin Guide's the highest accolade, given to a recording of special distinction.) this CD is a special listening experience in every way. Highly recommended!
Haydn: Complete String Quartets
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A superb Haydn benchmark
  • Perfect Dinner Music
  • Delightful Background Music
  • He truly is the father of string quartets!
  • A matter of taste?
 Haydn: Complete String Quartets
Angeles String Quartet
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  3. Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas
  4. Schubert: The String Quartets
  5. Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

ASIN: B0000501PC
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is something unpleasant about the sound here; it is resonant, yes, but not like the Takacs quartet. Comparing to the Takacs' take on op.76/1, 2 & 3, which I love, the Angeles' makes me think of a grey substance, sterile, antiseptic, of no life. Is it the sound quality? Or is it the way the quartet is playing? I think the latter, but it is difficult to figure out what is wrong; in fact I don't find any serious miscalculations. The problem is that the playing feels calculated; it is some kind of contrived perfection, it all feels too concious; I feel something wrong about the accent, the stress of the phrasings... but I give up: Suffice it to say that I regret I bought this collection of boring performances. Three stars for professional playing. If you like some human touch, go for the Aeolian quartet, less perfection, more life.
Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Many Hours of Magnificent Listening Pleasure
 Franz Joseph Haydn: Complete String Quartets (Box Set)
Kodly Quartet
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Haydn: The Seven Last Words

ASIN: B00004SSJF
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would gladly have paid twice as much for this set of CDs and still felt it was an excellent value. The CD booklet notes are well-written, with historical information, musical analysis, and information on the Kodaly Quartet. Very highly recommended.
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • ecstatic
  • The best in 36 years ...
  • None better
 Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76

Manufacturer: Astree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 2, 4, 5 /Quatuor Mosaiques
  2. Haydn: String Quartets Op 64 Nos 1, 3, 6 /Quatuor Mosaiques
  3. Haydn: String Quartets Op 20 /Quatuor Mosaïques
  4. Mozart: String Quartets /Quatuor Mosaiques
  5. Haydn: String Quartets Op 77 /Quatuor Mosaiques

ASIN: B00004TQPK
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Amazon.com

Written at the height of Haydn's creative powers, these six great late quartets encompass every human emotion and represent a summation of his accumulated compositional skill. The perfection of every detail within the structural concept--the harmonic daring, the originality, the variety of form, texture, character, and expression--is truly astounding. The Quatuor Mosaïques, an Austrian group despite its French name, is clearly steeped in the style. Using period instruments at normal pitch, the players vibrate sparingly, yet their intonation is impeccable. Their tone is pure, remarkably full and varied in color, the texture transparent; their playing is technically brilliant and very good, especially on the second disc, recorded two years later. They must have discovered new "authentic" manuscripts: their dynamics, phrasing, and articulation differ markedly from those in the usual editions. They favor generally moderate speeds, but often change tempo drastically between the Trios and the Minuets, which tend to be heavy and robust rather than gracious and courtly. Their rhythmic liberties are subtle, but sometimes seem dictated by technical convenience. The slow movements are all beautiful, with loving attention to expressive details. They observe almost every repeat, adding ornaments and varying phrasing and dynamics. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars ecstatic.......2006-07-06

No music has ever been better served by authentic performance practice than Haydn's quartets are here.

On modern instruments, performers tend to hold back when playing Mozart and Haydn, for fear of making the Classical style sound more like a watered-down, harmonically simple Romanticism by lending too much weight to it. The result can be a lack of emotional involvement, a treatment of these scores as delicate and quaint, a certain childrens'-nursery-rhyme tone.

On authetic, "period" instruments, on the other hand, especially as heard in these marvellous performances, the musicians can really dig in and imbue the Classical style with all the fire and passion it has in it, without being unidiomatic. I think that period instruments are as essential to this music as, say, actors born and raised in the American South would be to a stage or screen adaptation of one of Mark Twain's or William Faulkner's novels: in each case I really don't think the works can be made fully comprehensible except through such authentic, indigenous performances.

These readings are, in a word, an ecstatic experience.

5 out of 5 stars The best in 36 years ..........2000-12-05

... when the Tatrai Quartet recorded their legendary set of Haydn's Opus 76 in 1964 (now available on Hungaroton), little did they know it would stand as the critically accepted benchmark of this stimulating and entertaining music for the next 36 years. But the Quatour Mosaiques are an amazing group and their skill is in full evidence here -- enhanced, unlike the Tatrai, by the best that early 21st century DDD recording has to offer. Finally, a recording to rival the Tatrai set!

Personally, I find perhaps a bit of the warmth and humanity of the Tatrai missing, but the Mosaiques compensate with breathtaking playing (especially note Coin, the cellist), wit, and daring intellectual punch. Given my lifelong love of this music (it's an excellent introduction to chamber music, Haydn, or classical music in general) I'll play this one just as much as my Tatrai set.

Quatour Mosaiques have many other excellent recordings available as well -- check out especially their refreshingly energetic recording of Haydn's Opus 33 quartets.

5 out of 5 stars None better.......2000-07-04

The Quatuor Mosaiques is easily the finest string quartet for XVIII Century Music there is. Their warm and stylish sound somewhat recalls the best days of the Quartetto Italiano in the 60's, but of course, the Mosaiques use gut strings and stay away from vibrato. These marvelous Haydn Quartets live up to the high expectations, this is music making of the highest quality. An unmissable release.
String Quartets
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • more essential Haydn quartets
  • Lovely
 String Quartets
Franz Joseph Haydn , Amadeus Quartet , and Norbert Brainin
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Haydn: String Quartets, Opp. 51, 54, 55, 64, 71, 74
  2. Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23
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  5. Mozart: Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn

ASIN: B00006IQGF
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars more essential Haydn quartets.......2007-07-19

This DGG Trio set of Haydn quartets performed by the Amadeus Quartet complements another Amadeus-Haydn set on DGG very nicely. That set, a specially priced seven disc Collector's Edition box, includes op. 51, 54, 55, 64, 71 & 74. This DGG Trio set includes the six op. 76 quartets plus op. 77 & 103. Between both sets listeners will have the best of Haydn's quartets spread over ten discs, authoritatively played by one of Europe's foremost chamber ensembles.

The music is of course outstanding with each quartet sounding like a Haydn symphony in miniature. The sonics are excellent (these sides were recorded between 1963-1973) & the 16 pages of liner notes, most of which were written by noted Haydn scholar H.C. Robbins Landon, are illuminating. The price is a great bargain, especially if purchased through one of the Amazon resellers.

Most highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars Lovely.......2004-12-16

This is an excellent set of the late Haydn quartets. Modestly priced like many reissues of older recordings, this is an audio to digital transfer of recordings made quite a few years ago. The sound quality is not quite as sharp as modern digital recordings but this is more than compensated for by the uniformly excellent level of musicianship exhibited by the Amadeus quartet. This set features some of Haydn's best chamber music, including the famous Emperor quartet with its moving second movement. The playing of the Amadeus Quartet is lyrical and precise, never overplaying the more emotional movements.
Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 76 "Erdödy Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Haydn's Greatest Chamber Music Opus in Treasurable Performances
  • Matchless!
  • An enjoyable disc in every way
  • Natural Haydn interpreters.
 Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 76 "Erdödy Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet
Franz Joseph Haydn , and Tátrai Quartet
Manufacturer: Hungaroton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Shostakovich: The String Quartets
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  5. Mozart: The Six String Quintets

ASIN: B00000306N
Release Date: 1992-10-02

Tracks:

  1. I. String Quartet No. 1 In G Major: I. Allegro con spirito
  2. I. String Quartet No. 1 In G Major: II. Adagio sostenuto
  3. I. String Quartet No. 1 In G Major: III. Menuet. Presto
  4. I. String Quartet No. 1 In G Major: IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo
  5. II. String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor ('Quintenquartett'): I. Allegro
  6. II. String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor ('Quintenquartett'): II. Andante o piu tosto Allegretto
  7. II. String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor ('Quintenquartett'): III. Menuetto
  8. II. String Quartet No. 2 In D Minor ('Quintenquartett'): IV. Finale. Vivace assai
  9. III. String Quartet No. 3 In C Major ('Kaiserquartett'): I. Allegro
  10. III. String Quartet No. 3 In C Major ('Kaiserquartett'): II. Poco Adagio. Cantabile
  11. III. String Quartet No. 3 In C Major ('Kaiserquartett'): III. Menuetto
  12. III. String Quartet No. 3 In C Major ('Kaiserquartett'): IV. Finale. Presto

Tracks:

  1. I. String Quartet No. 4 In B Flat Major ('L'Aurore'): I. Allegro con spirito
  2. I. String Quartet No. 4 In B Flat Major ('L'Aurore'): II. Adagio
  3. I. String Quartet No. 4 In B Flat Major ('L'Aurore'): III. Menuet. Allegro
  4. I. String Quartet No. 4 In B Flat Major ('L'Aurore'): IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo
  5. II. String Quartet No. 5 In D Major: I. Allegro
  6. II. Largo cantabile e mesto
  7. II. String Quartet No. 5 In D Major: III. Menuetto
  8. IV. Finale. Presto
  9. III. String Quartet No. 6 In E Flat Major: I. Allegretto
  10. III. String Quartet No. 6 In E Flat Major: II. Fantasia. Adagio
  11. III. String Quartet No. 6 In E Flat Major: III. Menuetto - Alternativo
  12. III. String Quartet No. 6 In E Flat Major: IV. Finale. Allegro spirituoso

Amazon.com

If the number of nicknames is any indication of popularity, then this particular set must contain the most famous of all Haydn's quartets. It's got the "Emperor," the "Sunrise," and the "Fifths," and one of these, the "Fifths," even has a nickname within a nickname: the "Witch's Minuet." All of which means that less attention gets paid to the other three works in the group, which is a particular pity because the uninterestingly named Quartet in E-flat, Op. 76 No. 6, is probably the best one of all. It's certainly the funniest, at least. This recording, incidentally, established the Tatrai Quartet as the premier Haydn performers of our generation. Go for it. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Haydn's Greatest Chamber Music Opus in Treasurable Performances.......2006-04-30

The six string quartets Opus 76 are perhaps Haydn's greatest works in a genre which he almost single-handedly created. Written in 1796-97 when the composer was at the very summit of his creative powers, these quartets display truly impressive inventiveness of musical forms, imaginations of musical ideas and in its various slow movements depths of feelings and expressions.

This 1964 recording by the Hungarian group the Tatrai Quartet has worn the test of time well, despite numerous other recordings that came after. Eschewing sentimentality and virtuosic vainglory, these players convey the music's messages with the utmost simplicity, sincerity and directness, doing sufficient justice to the breadths and depths of these marvelous scores.

It is of little wonder that the Tatrai set still remains perhaps the most prized and sought-after recording of the Opus 76 set despite the relative merits of later contenders such as the Amadeus, the Tokyo, the Kodaly quartets and latterly the Lindsays and the Mosaiques. The advice: snap it up while it's available.

5 out of 5 stars Matchless!.......2005-03-15

I will never forget the first time I heard these CDs in the record shop. From the first moment the spirited, energetic, yet balanced, classical interpretations of this quartet outshone the bad record sound quality. I didn't know anything about the Tatrai quartet then and mistook it for some period instrument performance, i.e. the sound quality is not state of the art, but still OK. When I want perfect sound I rather put on Takacs quartet's nice recording of op. 76, but the Takacs' doesn't match the intensity of the Tatrai.
These performances can hardly be improved!

5 out of 5 stars An enjoyable disc in every way.......2003-05-25

I'd just like to second what the other reveiwer has said here. I like single-instrument and chamber classical works, and I especially enjoy Haydn's string quartets, which in my opinion equal Beethoven's piano sonatas, Mozart's piano concertos, and Bach's organ works at the summit of European music, at least in terms of extensive bodies of work. This disc in particular is a perfectly turned Haydn performance, easily recommendable to people who only want a few good samples of Haydn's best work in their CD collections. I've had it for many years and have never ceased to enjoy it. It's superlative music and a virtually faultless performance, with very good recording quality to boot.

5 out of 5 stars Natural Haydn interpreters........2000-12-05

These friendly, humane performances were recorded in Budapest in 1964, but you'd never know it from the excellent perspective and warmth of the recording. And the performances are superb: highly technically accomplished, while at the same time capturing all of the varying moods and tempi of this endlessly enriching music perfectly.

In the booklet notes, Laszlo Somfai notes: "The (Tatrai's performance of) the 'Erody' cycle ... has remained, perhaps, the most perfect interpretation made to this day." Having heard numerous recordings of this highly likeable music over the years, I'd have to say that Mr. Somfai is probably not far wrong.

Extremely enjoyable; recommended with enthusiasm.
String Quartets, Op. 76
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Wonderful Discovery
  • Meticulous Renderings of Moving Chamber Music
  • Sumptuous Music!
  • Excellent performances of Excellent Music
  • Wonderful
 String Quartets, Op. 76

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000291M
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

  1. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: I. Allegro con spirito - Joseph Haydn
  2. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: II. Adagio sostenuto - Joseph Haydn
  3. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: III. Menuet. Presto - Joseph Haydn
  4. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo - Joseph Haydn
  5. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': I. Allegro - Joseph Haydn
  6. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': II. Andante o piu tosto Allegretto - Joseph Haydn
  7. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': III. Menuetto - Joseph Haydn
  8. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': IV. Finale. Vivace assai - Joseph Haydn
  9. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': I. Allegro - Joseph Haydn
  10. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': II. Poco Adagio. Cantabile - Var. I - IV - Joseph Haydn
  11. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': III. Menuetto - Joseph Haydn
  12. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': IV. Finale. Presto - Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

  1. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': I. Allegro con spirito - J. Haydn
  2. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': II. Adagio - J. Haydn
  3. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': III. Menuet. Allegro - J. Haydn
  4. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Haydn
  5. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: I. Allegretto - Allegro - J. Haydn
  6. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: II. Largo cantabile e mesto - J. Haydn
  7. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: III. Menuetto - J. Haydn
  8. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: IV. Finale. Presto - J. Haydn
  9. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: I. Allegretto - Allegro - J. Haydn
  10. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: II. Fantasia. Adagio - J. Haydn
  11. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: III. Menuetto - J. Haydn
  12. String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: IV. Finale. Allegro spirituoso - J. Haydn

Amazon.com essential recording

These quartets, Haydn's last great quartet collection, represent a peak of musical achievement that may have been equaled, but has never been surpassed. Haydn invented the string quartet way back in the 1750s, and by the time he came to write these works some 40 years later, his mastery was so natural and effortless that it's hardly noticeable. All you hear are the great tunes, dramatic surprises, fresh rhythms, and ever-new string textures. These immaculate performances by the Tokyo Quartet went a long way toward establishing it as one of the most exciting young string quartets to emerge in the past two decades, and they have been superbly recorded. A classic set, then, and essential listening. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Discovery.......2003-06-11

I had no idea that Haydn wrote anything this profound. Every movement has the most brilliant harmonies, sublime counterpoint, deeply moving and beautiful melodies. These quartets are full of surprises and often take unexpected directions..

The Tokyo String Quartet performs virtually perfectly in this recording. They are warmly expressive, disciplined, and beautifully balanced. The sound quality is superb. This has become one of my favorite albums in any genre.

5 out of 5 stars Meticulous Renderings of Moving Chamber Music.......2003-05-01

As these come from late in Hadyn's compositional career, they are well known as monumental works for string quartets.

Played with passion and control by the Tokyo String Quartet, they exemplify the Classical Style of delicate four movement style and equality among the instruments.

Especially enjoy the third movement of the B-flat major work, with its flighty stop and go's, and harmonies of this menuet. Just delightful and full of glee and bouncy joy.

5 out of 5 stars Sumptuous Music!.......2002-12-27

When I bought my first CD player a year ago I decided to build a classical CD collection. Although I've loved classical music all my life, I'm neither educated nor particularly knowledgeable on the subject. (I've always known what I liked even if I didn't know who wrote it or who performed it.) I loved Beethoven and many years ago purchased his symphonies and piano concerti on LPs, but I really didn't have a feeling for chamber music. I purchased this particular CD set because the price was right but more importantly because a review I'd read suggested this music might be worth hearing. I now own TWO sets of these quartets. The Tokyo rendition resides on the CD changer in my car and the Kodaly rendition frequently revisits the CD carousel in my home. I've listened to quite a bit of chamber music over the last year, most of it purchased from Amazon[.com] and would say without hesitation that I enjoy listening to string quartets more than anything else. I'm in awe of what Haydn wrote, and am especially fond of the Op. 76 quartets, which are the last quartets Haydn completed during his life. This CD set is very fine. The music never fails to move me. I readily give the Tokyo String Quartet performance five stars and would do the same for Kodaly Quartet from Hungary. If you haven't listened to their performances of Haydn quartets, you owe it to yourself to check out their Naxos discs. Haydn rocks!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent performances of Excellent Music.......2001-12-24

I've owned this set for about six years and I never grow tired of hearing these performances. They convey, I think, the composer's intentions flawlessly and contain all of the liveliness, optimism and energy which was Haydn's trademark. The textures and balancing seem to me to be perfect and the Tokyo String Quartet's sound and finish is impeccable. I can't imagine these works being performed any better.

Most enjoyable. I highly recommend!

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2001-12-02

If you're not familiar with these pieces, don't waste another minute! The music ranges from playful to deeply emotional, the performances are terrific. Haydn is underappreciated, listening to these discs will tell you why. These quartets are the equal of anything Mozart ever wrote.
Haydn: The String Quartets
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Lively, colourful
  • Sizzles!
  • just an amazing performance
  • just an amazing performance
  • No Op. 3's & 681 quartets?
 Haydn: The String Quartets

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  4. Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
  5. Chopin: The Piano Works

ASIN: B0000042GO
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

We had an unexpected baby - cutting a long story short, he was premature, tinier than anything I had seen before, and thinking he would not be with us for long, we actually bought this set for him. Silly really. I really knew the quartets only by reputation, and thought that he could hear j