4 'Sunrise'

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 61 in D minor ("Fifths"/"The Bell'/"The Donkey"), Op. 76/2, H. 3/76
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn

2. String Quartet No. 62 in C major ("Emperor"), Op. 76/3, H. 3/77
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn

3. String Quartet No. 63 in B flat major ("Sunrise"), Op. 76/4, H. 3/78
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Allegro con spirito
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Adagio sostenuto
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Menuetto: Presto
String quartet in G major, op.76 no.1: Finale: Allegro ma non troppo
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Allegro
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Andante o piu tosto allegretto
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Allegro ma non troppo
String quartet in D minor, op.76 no.2: Vivace assai
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: : Allegro
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Poco adagio, cantabile
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Menuetto: Allegro
String quartet in C major, op.76 no.3: Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Buy This!.......2007-05-20

Whether you are a Haydn connosieur, or even a newbie curious in regard to this work (perhaps the greatest achievement in String Quartet history), this recording is outstanding. Although I might put the historically performed rendition of these works by the Quatuor Mosaique on a higher level of preference, it's simply my own personal taste (I often prefer performances of these works on period instruments...you might not). You can't go wrong with this cd. All the music is brought out in striking fashion by the Kodaly Q.

Don't even consider this one too much: GET it.

Here we go again trying words.......2006-06-04

Well, it is not often in my music collection of several hundred "classical" CD's that I find music that still moves me to tears. The quartets are so interesting for me on all levels and how could you find them better played? Many of Haydn's quartets are worth purchase but opus 76 has a special place in this genre. Every composer has a special area where he (not many she's unfortunately) has mastered. One thinks of Mozart and the operas or Beethoven and the symphonies. Well here is where Haydn has never been surpassed.

Unique Music.......2006-03-08

I don't really have add anything about this CD. The performances are excellent as is the recorded sound. I would like to say that new classical music lovers who have yet to advance to chamber music, should really enjoy this great music. The two named quartets are especially good with the finale of the 3rd quartet being one of my favorite movements in all of music.

Haydn at his most enjoyable and approachable.......2005-10-28

Do the recordings on this CD rank at the greatest of Haydn's work? IMHO, no (I reserve that for certain of his symphonies and masses); however, is everything you eat chock full of all of the nutrients you need with only the minimum amount of calories? The artists approach the music with style and delicacy. If you are or live with an aficionado of this musical era, I encourage you to add this CD to your/his/her collection.

wonderful recordings but be warned..........2005-09-22

if you are reading some of the other reviews saying that this music is as good as anything Mozart ever composed, beware. These quartets are excellent - and are worth owning if for no reason other than Haydn being an instrumental figure in the birth of the quartet as we know it. Haydn is credited with being a pioneer in developing independent voicing of all 4 instruments, and these mature late quartets show off his mastery of the form. However, these quartets are NOT Mozart. Haydn was an excellent composer, and while exceedingly original and inventive in his techniques and phrasings, his music does not resonate with the sheer genius of Mozart's late quartets (from K. 387 on). So if you are looking for something Mozartean here, you will not find it. If you are looking to discover more excellent music in the Classical style from the father of the Classical style, then you should definitely pick these discs up. Not only are the performances and recordings excellent, but at this price you cannot go wrong.

Average customer rating:

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
Haydn: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas
Schubert: The String Quartets
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

ASIN: B0000501PC
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: I. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.0: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: I. Presto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.1 No.1: V. Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: I. Allegro
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.1 No.2: V. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: I. Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: III. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in D, Op.1 No.3: V. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: III. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.1 No.4: V. Presto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: I. Presto Assai
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in C, Op.1 No.6: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: I. Allegro
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.2 No.1: V. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: I. Allegro Molto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in E, Op.2 No.2: V. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: I. Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: IV Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.2 No.4: V. Allegro
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: I. Adagio
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: III. Presto: Scherzo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: IV. Menuetto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.2 No.6: V. Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: II. Menuetto: Un Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in C, Op.9 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.9 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: III. Largo
Str Qt in G, Op.9 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.9 No.4: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: I. Poco Adagio: Theme And Vars
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: III. Largo Cantabile
Str Qt in B flat, Op.9 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: II. Menuetto
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: III. Adagio
Str Qt in A, Op.9 No.6: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: I. Moderato
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: II. Menuet
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.17 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: I. Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: II. Menuet: Poco Allegretto
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: III. Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.17 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto

Tracks:

Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: I. Andante Grazioso
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: III. Adagio
Str Qt in E flat, Op.17 No.3: IV. Allegro Di Molto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: I. Moderato
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: III. Adagio Cantabile
Str Qt in c, Op.17 No.4: IV. Finale: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: I. Moderato
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: II. Menuet: Allegretto
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: III. Adagio
Str Qt in G, Op.17 No.5: IV. Finale: Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: I. Presto
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: II. Menuet
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: III. Largo
Str Qt in D, Op.17 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: III. Largo
Str Qt in B flat, Op.33 No.4: IV. Presto
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: II. Largo E Cantabile
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Str Qt in G, Op.33 No.5: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: II. Andante
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: III. Scherzo: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.33 No.6: IV. Finale: Allegretto
Str Qt in d, Op.42: I. Andante Ed Innocentemente
Str Qt in d, Op.42: II. Menuet
Str Qt in d, Op.42: III. Adagio E Cantabile
Str Qt in d, Op.42: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: I. Allegro Spirito
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: II. Andante
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in f#, Op.50 No.4: IV. Fuga: Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: I. Allegro Moderato
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: III. Menuetto
Str Qt in F, Op.50 No.5: IV. Finale: Vivace
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': I. Allegro
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': II. Poco Adagio
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in D, Op.50 No.6 'The Frog': IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: I. Vivace Assai
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: II. Allegretto
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: III. Menuet
Str Qt inG, Op.54 No.1: IV. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: I. Vivace
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: II. Adagio -
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in C, Op.54 No.2: IV. Adagio
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: I. Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: II. Largo
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Str Qt in E, Op.54 No.3: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Average customer rating:

Lovely

String Quartets
Franz Joseph Haydn , Amadeus Quartet , and Norbert Brainin
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets, Opp. 51, 54, 55, 64, 71, 74
Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23
Mozart: The Great Violin Sonatas, Vol. 2
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 74, Nos. 1-3
Haydn: Complete Piano Trios

ASIN: B00006IQGF
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Customer Reviews:

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:

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shostakovich: The String Quartets
Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Piano Quartets Nos. 1, 2 & 3
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6
Mozart: The Six String Quintets
Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23

ASIN: B00000306N
Release Date: 1992-10-02

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Average customer rating:

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000291M
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Average customer rating:

Chamber music making of the highest order

Haydn: String Quartets Op.76

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets Op.76 Nos. 4, 5, & 6
Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23
Haydn: The 3 String Quartets Op. 55 "Tost II"
Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartets Op.54 - Lindsay String Quartet
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 33 Nos. 1, 2 & 4

ASIN: B00003XB6K
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

First Movement: Allegro Con Spirito
Second Movement: Adagio Sostenuto
Third Movement: Menuetto (Presto)
Fourth Movement: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
First Movement: Allegro
Second Movement: Andante O Piu Tosto Allegretto
Third Movement: Menuetto (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
Fourth Movement: Vivace Assai
First Movement: Allegro
Second Movement: Poco Adagio Cantabile
Third Movement: Menuetto (Allegro)
Fourth Movement: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Chamber music making of the highest order.......2000-08-18

The Op 76 set of 6 string quartets marks the summit of Haydn's chamber music. Composed between 1796-1797 and dedicated to Count Erdody, it shows Haydn at the absolute peak of his powers, creatvity and imaginations. When the English historian and musician Dr Charles Burney first heard the quartets in 1799, he came out with these paens of superlatives which the works fully deserves: "They are full of invention, fire good taste, and new effects, and seem the production, not of a sublime genius who has written so much and so well recently, but one of the highly cultivated talents, who has expended none of his fire before."

The quartets receive superb performances from the Linsays String Quartets, the leading British chamber music ensemble of our day. Indeed, they do full justice to Haydn's creative imagination, visions, breaths and humour. They may not possess the tonal sheen and glamour of their counterparts, say the Alban Berg Quartet, yet they illuminate the score from within and constantly penetrate to the heart of the music. The largo of op 76 no. 5, the real core of the whole set, serves as a template for the rest. The Lindsays faithfully observes the cantabile e mesto, giving the movement a rapt intensity and depth of feeling, yet never ever indulging in sentimentality. The same could be said of the famous 'Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser' poco adagio cantabile from the 'Emperor' quartet. Taken the set as a whole, the first movements breath with majestic gravitas, the slow movements sings. The minuets truly dance, exuberantly and sometimes rustically. The finales are either invigorating (as those of nos 2, 5, and 6) or given mesmerizing pathos when required (as those in nos 1, 3, and 4). The music sound fresh and newly-minted, as though the listener are experiencing them for the first time.

Tracks:

String Quartet In D Minor: I. Allegro
String Quartet In D Minor: II. Andante O Piu Tosto Allegretto
String Quartet In D Minor: III. Menuetto (Allegro Ma Non Troppo) - Trio
String Quartet In D Minor: IV. Finale (Vivace Assai)
String Quartet In C: I. Allegro
String Quartet In C: II. Poco Adagio Cantabile (Thema)-
String Quartet In C: Poco Adagio Cantabile - Variation I
String Quartet In C: Poco Adagio Cantabile - Variation II
String Quartet In C: Poco Adagio Cantabile - Variation III
String Quartet In C: Poco Adagio Cantabile - Variation IV
String Quartet In C: III. Menuett (Allegro)
String Quartet In C: IV. Finale (Presto)
String Quartet In B Flat: I. Allegro Con Spirito
String Quartet In B Flat: II. Adagio
String Quartet In B Flat: III. Menuetto (Allegro) - Trio
String Quartet In B Flat: IV. Finale (Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Piu Allegro - Piu Allegro)

Haydn: The Emperor, Fifths and Sunrise Quartets

Average customer rating:

Here we go again trying words
Haydn's Op. 76 "Greatest Hits" (No. 2, 3, 4)
Excellent - entertaining - audiophile
A great bargain!

Haydn: The Emperor, Fifths and Sunrise Quartets

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 2
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 1
Schubert: String Quintet in C, D. 956

ASIN: B0000013KN
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

Quartet No.62 In C Major, Hob.III:77 (Op.76 No.3) 'Emperor': Allegro
Quartet No.62 In C Major, Hob.III:77 (Op.76 No.3) 'Emperor': Poco Adagio: Cantabile
Quartet No.62 In C Major, Hob.III:77 (Op.76 No.3) 'Emperor': Menuetto: Allegro
Quartet No.62 In C Major, Hob.III:77 (Op.76 No.3) 'Emperor': Finale: Presto
Quartet No.61 In D Minor, Hob.III:76 (Op.76 No.2) 'Fifths': Allegro
Quartet No.61 In D Minor, Hob.III:76 (Op.76 No.2) 'Fifths': Andante o piu tosto allegretto
Quartet No.61 In D Minor, Hob.III:76 (Op.76 No.2) 'Fifths': Menuetto: Allegro ma non troppo
Quartet No.61 In D Minor, Hob.III:76 (Op.76 No.2) 'Fifths': Finale: Vivace assai
Quartet No.63 In B Flat Major, Hob.III:78 (Op.76 No.4) 'Sunrise': Allegro con spirito
Quartet No.63 In B Flat Major, Hob.III:78 (Op.76 No.4) 'Sunrise': Adagio
Quartet No.63 In B Flat Major, Hob.III:78 (Op.76 No.4) 'Sunrise': Menuetto: Allegro
Quartet No.63 In B Flat Major, Hob.III:78 (Op.76 No.4) 'Sunrise': Finale: Allegro ma non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Here we go again trying words.......2006-06-04

Haydn's Op. 76 "Greatest Hits" (No. 2, 3, 4).......2006-03-06

Be aware of what you are getting here. This CD contains Op. 76 no. 2, 3 and 4 and, in a way, is Op. 76 "Greatest Hits." The newer Naxos releases equally divide the six quartets of Op. 76, with one covering No. 1-3 and another featuring No. 4-6. So, if you want all six quartets of Op. 76, best NOT to get this one here.

Regardless of the breakout, all six of Op. 76 are among Haydn's most mature, well-conceived and finest quartets. The great music writer, Arnold Schonberg, labeled the music of Joseph Haydn as "Classicm par exellence." Indeed, although later composers like and Mozart and Beethoven got most of the glory in this revolutionary era, it was actually Haydn that pioneered the modern string quartet and symphony. His works for string quartet form a huge body of music that is mostly superb in quality, rich in textures and surprisingly innovative in even the earlier quartets of the 1770's like Op. 20. Towards the end of his life he synthesised all he knew into the rich compositions of Op. 76 and 77 which take on a more "symphonic" and virtuostic quality. Part of this was likely to showcase his talents before the larger audiences of London where he was gaining great success, especially his late "London symphonies."

For Haydn's quartets in general, there are a handful of exceptional quartets who recorded the complete works (or are in the process): The Kodaly, Lindsays, Alban Berg and Mosaiques. The first is Hungarian, the second British and the last two hailing from Austria. The Mosaiques addtionally use period instruments (and more sinewy gut strings) where the others use modern instruments and steel strings. The most "polished" and pristine sounding probably is the Alban Berg (whose six Mozart "Haydn" quartets are suberb as well). The Mosaiques are best known for creating fascinatin, earthy textures with their period instruments, more "edgy" tonality and brilliantly crisp attack that brings out the more unusual aspects of Haydn's compositions. (This is seen in certain movements on this disc but is most dramatic in their landmark Op. 20 recording.)

Last, but not least, is the Kodaly Quartet featured here whose dedication to this genre has produced a bounty of fine recordings as well as a highlight of the Naxos catalog. Their sound is clear, poised, never edgy, smooth and graceful, whitty and charming when Haydn calls for it. This reading of Op. 76 is no exception and can be recommended without reservation. The playing is of high caliber as is the sound quality in a slighly-but-pleasantly resonant soundscape that matches the symphonic scale of these pieces nicely. If I had to pick one set, it would be the Mosaiques for sure (but at 3-4 times the price!). Their recordings are special and rather unique. But, this one by the Kodaly is wonderful in its own way and certainly less expensive. It comes down to what nuances of these performances most capture your imagination and ears the most as all the quartets mentioned above are world class in their art. Again, be aware this set contains Op. 76 no. 2-4 so is a "split set."

Excellent - entertaining - audiophile.......2004-10-10

This is a rather wonderful CD, one of those that make you say, 'How do Naxos do it?' It contains three of Haydn's best-known string quartets: the 'Emperor' with the famous variations on the Austrian, now German, national anthem; the 'Fifths' with its dark and threatening 'Witches' Minuet'; and the 'Sunrise' with its ascending and descending themes in the first movement and its splendid jocular Finale. The Hungarian musicians of the Kodály Quartet leave nothing to be desired, and the recording quality is absolutely first class: this could easily have been sold at full price! The only slightly puzzling thing is why the cellist was standing on the left and the first violinist on the right, which is the opposite of what one would normally expect. But this is an excellent, entertaining, audiophile recording for everyone who likes Haydn or string quartets.

A great bargain!.......1999-03-28

Haydn was a sly dog, and he packs a ton of wit and invention in his String Quartets. His symphonies are similarly clever. Haydn is a remarkable composer, and not just a second fiddle to Mozart. However, the prospect of delving into the music of this remarkably prolific composer can be daunting. Where to start? Start here. This is one of the better CDs you are likely to find in the super-budget price range. You may not recognize the players, but they put forth a committed performance. If you like this, you can then move on to the many fine 2-for-1 sets of the "London Symphonies".

Average customer rating:

Haydn: String Quartets, Op.76, Nos. 1-3

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76 4-6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6

ASIN: B0000041U9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Str Qt in G, op.76 no.1: Allegro con spirito
Str Qt in G, op.76 no.1: Adagio sostenuto
Str Qt in G, op.76 no.1: Menuetto: Presto
Str Qt in G, op.76 no.1: Allegro ma non troppo
Str Qt in d, op.76 no.2 'Fifths': Allegro
Str Qt in d, op.76 no.2 'Fifths': Andante o piu tosto allegretto
Str Qt in d, op.76 no.2 'Fifths': Menuetto: Allegro ma non troppo
Str Qt in d, op.76 no.2 'Fifths': Vivace assai
Str Qt in C, op.76 no.3 'Emperor': Allegro
Str Qt in C, op.76 no.3 'Emperor': Poco adagio, cantabile
Str Qt in C, op.76 no.3 'Emperor': Menuetto: Allegro
Str Qt in C, op.76 no.3 'Emperor': Finale: Presto

Amazon.com essential recording

With his late string quartets, Haydn's mastery of convention had grown to the point where his imagination was utterly unfettered, illustrating Robert Frost's famous dictum that "freedom is working easy in harness." On these 1987 and 1988 recordings, the Takacs Quartet, a flamboyant ensemble founded in 1975, plays the six Opus 76 essays in that spirit. Their highly profiled accounts possess exceptional expressive intensity but are always in good taste. Fittingly, these more public expressions of Haydn's genius have been captured in reverberant spaces--the Schubertsaal of Vienna's Konzerthaus for Nos. 1-3, and St. Barnabas's in London for the final three--in recordings of striking, in-your-face presence. --Ted Libbey

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Chillin Nu Jazz [Enhanced]

Mozart: String Quartets 14 and 15

Mahler: Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" / Podles, Zylis-Gara, van Dam, Gasadesus

Music: Vol. 1-Male Country Hits [Karaoke]

Midnight Cowboy: Original Motion Picture Score [Soundtrack]

Livin' in a Hoe House [Explicit Lyrics]

On Every Street [Original recording remastered]

Maximum Audio Biography: Offspring [Import]

La Obra Guitarristica, Vol. 1 [Import]

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41 / Bernstein

Lazer Guided Melodies

Manoeuvre

Strictly for the House Party, Vol. 1

When I'm Alone I Cry

Picture