Posted by John Rasmussen on February 25, 19103 at 11:54:07:

In Reply to: Re: Haydn string quartet Op 71 No. 2 posted by jeanmnie on February 07, 19103 at 00:53:34:

: ysis, and Biographical material, General info re string quartet.

I don't know that quartet in particular, but here's some general info re Haydn and the string quartet:

Franz Josef Haydn was born during the late Baroque period and lived to see the beginning of the Romantic revolution. With Mozart, he is considered the foremost composer of the Clical period. He spent much of his like at the Court of Prince Esterhazy as Kapellmeister, that is, composer and music director. He once remarked that because of his isolation at the Esterhazy court he had to become original. Many of his melodies have a folk-song flavor. He and Mozart were devoted friends.

It is said that Haydn invented the string quartet, often considered the purest musical idiom in that the instrumental tone is consistent from top to bottom and the form relies on musical substance, not virtuoso effects or tonal contrast. Haydn's quartets, like most of his music, breathe wit and originality (at least the ones I've heard and become familiar with).

There's probably more information out there, but I trust that will get you started. Blessings.

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