Haydn – String Quartets Opus 20, Nrs 1, 4 and 6
Haydn wrote his Opus 20 String Quartets in 1772 when he was forty years old. The importance of these quartets when it comes to the course of classical music can hardly be overestimated. For the first time in music history, Haydn combines a propelling narrative with an equal distribution of the musical material.
Never before had any composer employed such a diversity of rhetorical and stylistic devices within single compositions. Haydn paved the way for Mozart’s theatrical music and Beethoven’s volcanic eruptions with his unique fusion of three musical languages, which had previously been separated by clear boundaries: court, church and folk music.
— Dudok Quartet Amsterdam, from the booklet notes
‘For a recording on modern instruments this is the set to get.’
— Birmingham Post 5/5* —
‘Technical polish (immaculate tuning, balance and ensemble), boundless vitality and a lively response to the specific character of each movement.’
— Gramophone —
‘Essential listening for any chamber music or Haydn fan, with elements of both period sound and modern performance practice.’
— The Classical Review —
‘The Dudoks, now recognised as one of the most stylish, open-minded and adventurous among younger ensembles, bring heady energy to all three quartets.’
— The Guardian —