Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1755 - 1759

Average_duration

:

104:32

Movement_count

:

30

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's String Quartets (6), Op. 1, H. 3/1-4, 6; H 2/6, also known as the "Sun" quartets, were composed in 1757-1760 and premiered in Vienna. The set consists of six quartets, each with four movements. The first quartet in G major, H. 3/1, opens with a lively and cheerful Allegro, followed by a graceful Andante. The third movement is a Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a spirited Presto. The second quartet in E-flat major, H. 3/2, begins with a slow and expressive Adagio, followed by a lively Allegro. The third movement is a graceful Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a joyful Presto. The third quartet in D major, H. 3/3, opens with a bright and energetic Allegro, followed by a lyrical Andante. The third movement is a lively Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a playful Presto. The fourth quartet in C major, H. 3/4, begins with a lively and cheerful Allegro, followed by a graceful Andante. The third movement is a lively Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a spirited Presto. The fifth quartet in F minor, H. 3/5, opens with a dramatic and intense Allegro, followed by a melancholic Andante. The third movement is a lively Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a fiery Presto. The sixth and final quartet in B-flat major, H. 2/6, begins with a bright and lively Allegro, followed by a lyrical Andante. The third movement is a graceful Menuetto, and the quartet concludes with a joyful Presto. The "Sun" quartets are characterized by their balanced and refined structures, as well as their use of counterpoint and thematic development. Haydn's mastery of the string quartet form is evident in these early works, which would go on to influence generations of composers to come.

More....