Joseph Haydn - Sun Quartets, Op. 20 (1772)

The six string quartets opus 20 by Joseph Haydn are among the works that earned Haydn the sobriquet "the father of the string quartet."  The quartets are considered a milestone in the history of composition; in them, Haydn develops compositional techniques that were to define the medium for the next 200 years.

The quartets were composed in 1772 at a time of tensions in Haydn's life, and also when Haydn was influenced by new Enlightenment ideas sweeping Europe. Some analysts see the impact of these emotions and ideas on the quartets.



   No. 1 in E♭ major

      1.  Allegro Moderato
      2.  Minuetto. Allegretto
      3.  Affettuoso e sostenuto
      4.  Finale. Presto


   No. 2 in C major

      1.  Moderato
      2.  Adagio
      3.  Minuetto. Allegretto
      4.  Fuga a 4 Soggetti


   No. 3 in G minor

      1.  Allegro con Spirito
      2.  Minuetto. Allegretto
      3.  Poco Adagio
      4.  Finale. Allegro Molto


   No. 4 in D major

      1.  Allegro di Molto
      2.  Poco Adagio Affettuoso
      3.  Allegretto alla zingarese
      4.  Presto scherzando


   No. 5 in F minor

      1.  Allegro moderato
      2.  Minuetto
      3.  Adagio
      4.  Finale: Fuga a due Soggetti


   No. 6 in A Major

      1.  Allegro di Molto e Scherzando
      2.  Adagio, Cantabile
      3.  Minuetto. Allegretto
      4.  Fuga a 3 Soggetti. Allegro