Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1788

Average_duration

:

59:43

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's String Quartets (3), Op. 55, H. 3/60-62, also known as the "Erdödy Quartets," were composed in 1788 for Count Joseph Erdödy. The quartets were premiered in Vienna in 1789 and were well-received by audiences and critics alike. The three quartets are each comprised of four movements, with the first and last movements being in sonata form. The second movement of each quartet is a slow and lyrical adagio, while the third movement is a minuet and trio. The quartets are written for two violins, viola, and cello, and showcase Haydn's mastery of the string quartet form. The first quartet, Op. 55 No. 1 in A major, is characterized by its bright and cheerful melodies, with the first movement featuring a lively and playful theme. The second movement is a beautiful and expressive adagio, while the third movement is a graceful and elegant minuet. The final movement is a lively and energetic rondo, with a catchy and memorable theme. The second quartet, Op. 55 No. 2 in F major, is more somber in tone, with the first movement featuring a melancholy and introspective theme. The second movement is a hauntingly beautiful adagio, while the third movement is a lively and playful minuet. The final movement is a lively and spirited rondo, with a joyful and celebratory theme. The third quartet, Op. 55 No. 3 in C major, is perhaps the most famous of the three, and is known for its innovative use of counterpoint and fugue. The first movement features a complex and intricate fugue, while the second movement is a beautiful and expressive adagio. The third movement is a lively and playful minuet, while the final movement is a lively and energetic rondo, with a memorable and catchy theme. Overall, Haydn's String Quartets (3), Op. 55, H. 3/60-62, are a testament to his mastery of the string quartet form, and are considered some of the finest examples of the genre. They showcase Haydn's ability to create memorable and catchy melodies, while also exploring complex and innovative musical ideas.

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