Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Joseph Haydn's "Sonnen-Quartette" Op. 20, a masterful collection of six string quartets composed between 1770 and 1772. This album, performed by the renowned Hagen Quartett and released on Deutsche Grammophon in 1994, offers a captivating journey through the intricate and expressive world of classical chamber music.
Spanning a total of 1 hour and 57 minutes, the "Sonnen-Quartette" Op. 20 is a testament to Haydn's innovative spirit and his pivotal role in the development of the string quartet form. The quartets, named after an intricate engraving that adorned their first publication, are a laboratory of Haydn's compositional genius, showcasing his ability to blend technical mastery with profound emotional depth.
The album begins with the String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1, and continues through a diverse range of keys and moods, each quartet offering a unique exploration of musical expression. From the lively "Allegro moderato" of the first quartet to the intricate "Fuga a 3 soggetti" of the final quartet in A Major, Haydn's compositions are a delightful blend of complexity and accessibility.
The Hagen Quartett's performance is nothing short of exceptional, bringing Haydn's compositions to life with precision, passion, and a deep understanding of the music's historical and stylistic context. Their interpretation highlights the intricate counterpoint, the rich harmonies, and the dynamic range that make these quartets a cornerstone of the classical repertoire.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Haydn's "Sonnen-Quartette" Op. 20 is a must-listen. This album is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a journey through the mind of one of the greatest composers of the classical era, offering insights into his creative process and his enduring influence on Western music.
Tracks
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: I. Allegro moderatoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: II. Menuetto. AllegrettoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: III. Affettuoso e sostenutoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 No. 1: IV. Finale. PrestoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: I. ModeratoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: II. Capriccio. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: III. Menuetto. AllegrettoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20 No. 2: IV. Fuga a 4 soggetti. AllegroJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: I. Allegro con spiritoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: II. Menuetto allegrettoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: III. Poco adagioJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 20 No. 3: IV. Finale. Allegro moltoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: I. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: II. Un poco adagio affettuosoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: III. Menuetto. Allegretto alla zingareseJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in D Major, Op. 20 No. 4: IV. Presto scherzandoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: I. Allegro moderatoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: II. MenuettoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: III. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20 No. 5: IV. Fuga a 2 soggettiJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: I. Allegro di molto e scherzandoJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett, Lukas Hagen, Rainer Schmidt, Veronika Hagen, Clemens Hagen
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: II. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett, Lukas Hagen, Rainer Schmidt, Veronika Hagen, Clemens Hagen
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: III. MenuetJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett, Lukas Hagen, Rainer Schmidt, Veronika Hagen, Clemens Hagen
String Quartet in A Major, Op. 20 No. 6: IV. Fuga a 3 soggetti. AllegroJoseph Haydn, Hagen Quartett, Lukas Hagen, Rainer Schmidt, Veronika Hagen, Clemens Hagen
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