In Reply to: Which Haydn String Quartet(s) to start? posted by tonyptony on July 9, 2012 at 16:11:30:
You do not want to get a complete set right off the bat, that's for sure. You'll be overwhelmed and not impressed; it's just too much of a good thing.
Opus 76, with six quartets, is a perfect introduction for several reasons. These are all mature works, when Haydn's powers were at their peak and he knew all the tricks. He did not see them as a "final attempt", but as a culmination of all his skills. After writing so many quartets during his career, he had taken a four year break before these, and had a lot of fresh ideas in store. They were commissioned works, so his financial security was assured, allowing him free range for his inspiration. They were composed as a set (obviously) and are frequently recorded as a complete set, sometimes in a double disc package for less than the price of two discs. Despite that, they are all individual pieces of music with their own character and style, like members of a musical family. Three of them have nicknames, which, in itself, is a sort of recommendation if you think about it. Most "classical" compositions that have nicknames were not named by the composer, but acquired descriptive or cute appellations over years of being performed regularly and enjoyed thoroughly. Instead of having to tell someone you were playing or heard Haydn's Opus 76, No. 3, you could use the nickname "Emperor" and they'd know exactly what you were talking about. Sometimes the publisher added the name to increase sales. Who could resist any piece of music called Emperor or Sunrise?
Peace,
Tom E
berate is 8 and benign is 9
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Follow Ups
- Op 76 a great place to start - madisonears 21:04:35 07/09/12 (7)
- Totally agree - rbolaw 10:42:14 07/10/12 (6)
- RE: Totally agree - Alex M 08:52:55 07/12/12 (4)
- N/A outside UK nt - Travis 10:13:03 07/13/12 (0)
- "the winner was the Lindsays" - Chris from Lafayette 14:08:20 07/12/12 (2)
- I know, but you can't begrudge the Brits their local bias. - rbolaw 07:29:53 07/13/12 (1)
- Very true - Chris from Lafayette 08:55:54 07/13/12 (0)
- Tatrai Quartet on Hungaroton - Jay Buridan 21:46:49 07/10/12 (0)