Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

String Quartet

Compose Date

:

1797

Average_duration

:

19:41

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's String Quartet No. 64 in D major (Largo), Op. 76/5, H. 3/79, is one of the six string quartets that make up his Opus 76. It was composed in 1797 and premiered in Vienna the same year. The quartet is in three movements, with a total running time of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegretto, is in sonata form and begins with a lively and playful theme introduced by the first violin. The second theme, played by the cello, is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the first. The development section explores both themes and features a fugal passage. The recapitulation brings back the themes in their original keys, and the movement ends with a coda that restates the opening theme. The second movement, marked Largo, is the centerpiece of the quartet. It is a set of variations on a simple, melancholic theme introduced by the first violin. Each variation explores different textures and harmonies, with the cello taking the lead in the third variation and the second violin in the fourth. The fifth variation is a fugue, and the sixth and final variation features a virtuosic solo for the first violin. The movement ends with a brief coda that recalls the opening theme. The final movement, marked Presto, is a lively and energetic rondo. The main theme is introduced by the first violin and is followed by a contrasting section played by the second violin. The third section features a syncopated rhythm and a playful melody, while the fourth section is more lyrical and features a solo for the cello. The main theme returns in the fifth section, and the movement ends with a coda that brings back the syncopated rhythm and the playful melody. Overall, Haydn's String Quartet No. 64 in D major (Largo) is a masterful work that showcases his skill in writing for the string quartet. The first movement is full of energy and wit, while the second movement is a poignant and introspective set of variations. The final movement is a lively and playful rondo that brings the quartet to a satisfying conclusion.

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