Complete String Quartets, Vol. 5: “Russian” Op.33, Hob. III: 37-42 (parts) by Franz Joseph Haydn
Urtext edition by Georg Feder. Published by Henle
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was one of the greatest composers of Western classical music. A ceaseless innovator, he led the transition from the Baroque into the Classical period, refining and inventing many forms and genres and influencing countless composers, notably Mozart and Beethoven, whom he mentored. He became chiefly renowned for his humor, spontaneity, and inventive motivic development.
Haydn is known as “the father of the string quartet” for his prolific, innovative, and enduring work in the genre across 68 completed works. His set of six “Russian” quartets, Op.33–so named for its dedicatee, the Grand Duke Paul of Russia–represent some of his greatest work, and were admired by CPE Bach and Mozart. They depart from the “sturm and drang” turbulence of the earlier Op.20 quartets, instead reflecting the lighter tone of comic opera with vibrant, conversational, and playful music–including the famous Op.33/2 in E-flat Major “The Joke”. This premium Henle urtext edition, Volume 5 of its survey of his complete string quartets, includes historical and critical commentary. Parts only. Advanced level, Grade 5.
CONTENTS:
- Quartet in B minor, Op.33, No.1, Hob. III:37
- Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.33, No. 2, Hob. III:38 “The Joke”
- Quartet in C Major, Op.33, No. 3, Hob. III:39 “The Bird
- Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.33, No. 4, Hob. III:40
- Quartet in G Major, Op.33, No. 5, Hob. III:41 “How Do You Do”
- Quartet in D Major, Op.33, No. 6, Hob. III:42
