The Auryn Quartet, founded in 1981, has performed together for 27 years with no personnel changes, which contributes to their unified interpretation.
Historical Context
Haydn gave Count Anton Georg Apponyi exclusive use of these six quartets for one year in exchange for a substantial sum of one hundred ducats.
Compositional Technique
Each of Haydn's six quartets in Op. 71 and Op. 74 begins with a unique and arresting musical gesture, reflecting the composer's focus on individuality for each work.
Composition History
Some of Haydn's 'Apponyi' quartets were likely performed during his second visit to London (1794-95), where string quartets were gaining prominence in public concerts.
Critical Reception
The slow movement (Largo assai) of the G minor quartet (Op. 74, No. 3) created a stir among Haydn's contemporaries, who recognized it as the 'hallmark of a great genius'.
Composition History
Haydn's six string quartets, composed in 1793, were published in two sets (Op. 71 and Op. 74) and dedicated to Count Anton Georg Apponyi, a keen music-lover and violinist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn believed that the human voice should be the decisive guide even in purely instrumental music, making his instruments 'sing' by translating the expressive range of bel canto singers.
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