The Op. 33 quartets, with their sophisticated conversational textures, were a prime influence on the six quartets Mozart dedicated to Haydn in 1785.
Notable Performances
At least one of the Op. 33 quartets was performed on Christmas Day 1781 for the visiting Russian Grand Duke Paul, who later became Tsar Paul I.
Interpretation
The London Haydn Quartet performs these works using gut strings and classical bows, aiming for historically informed interpretations.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn famously proclaimed that these quartets were written 'in a completely new and special way,' after not having composed any for ten years.
Recording & Production
This recording uses the Schmitt edition of Haydn's Op. 33 quartets, published in Amsterdam in 1782, which places the Scherzos before the slow movements.
Composition History
Haydn wrote no string quartets for nearly a decade after his Op. 20, focusing instead on composing and producing operas for the Esterházy court.
Composition History
Haydn advertised manuscript copies of his new quartets to subscribers for six ducats, giving them privileged access for several months before public release.
