The exact number of string quartets Haydn wrote is unknown, though he listed some 83, with earlier ones often titled 'Divertimento'.
Composer Biography
Haydn spent much of his career employed by the Esterházy family, one of the richest families in the Empire, first as Vice-Kapellmeister and later as Kapellmeister.
Interpretation
The Goldmund Quartet chose Haydn for their first recording because they have always played a lot of his music, which was decisive in shaping the string quartet genre.
Historical Context
Haydn lived during the 18th century, a period that saw the development of instrumental music from the era of Bach and Handel to the classical sonata form.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn, like any great master, knew how to conceal the technical means by which he achieved his musical ends.
Performer Biography
The Goldmund Quartet, consisting of Florian Schötz, Pinchas Adt, Christoph Vandory, and Raphael Paratore, originated from four school friends in Munich.
Composer Biography
Joseph Haydn, the composer, was born in 1732 in the village of Rohrau, the son of a wheelwright.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quartets No. 21, K. 575, No. 22, K. 589 & No. 23, K. 590 "Prussian Quartets"
