Haydn: String Quartets, "Prussian" Op. 50 Nos. 4 – 6 by Naxos CD

Brand new! Factory packaged! As pictured! Buy with confidence!

• UPC: 730099498425
• Product Type: Audio CD
• Brand Name: Naxos
• MPN: 8.553984
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Chamber Music / String Quartet / Classical Period
• Composer: Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809)
• Artist: Kodály Quartet
• Release Year: 1998

Product Features

• Format: CD (Compact Disc Digital Audio)
• Recording Mode: DDD (Full Digital)
• Total Playing Time: 58:50
• Recording Date: 13th to 16th May, 1996
• Recording Location: Unitarian Church, Budapest, Hungary
• Notes: Includes English, German, and French text

Overview

This exquisite Naxos recording features the Kodály Quartet performing a selection of Joseph Haydn's renowned "Prussian" String Quartets, Op. 50. Dedicated to King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia, a talented cellist, these works are celebrated for their intellectual depth, balanced structure, and the prominent, melodic role given to the cello. This volume includes Quartets Nos. 4, 5, and 6, showcasing Haydn’s mature classical style through the masterful interpretation of one of the world's leading quartets.

Interesting Facts

• Royal Dedication: The Op. 50 set is nicknamed the "Prussian" quartets because they were dedicated to King Friedrich Wilhelm II.
• The "Frog" Quartet: This disc includes String Quartet No. 6 in D major, popularly known as "The Frog" due to the bariolage technique used in the finale which mimics a croaking sound.
• Ensemble Excellence: The Kodály Quartet, based in Budapest, is world-famous for their definitive Haydn cycle recordings on the Naxos label.
• Cover Art: The cover features a portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm II as Crown Prince, the very monarch to whom these works were dedicated.
• Acoustic Setting: The recording was captured in the Unitarian Church in Budapest, a venue favored for its warm and clear acoustics suitable for chamber music.

Track Listing

String Quartet Op. 50 No. 4 in F sharp minor (18:17)

1. Allegro spirituoso (5:59)
2. Andante (6:02)
3. Menuetto: Poco allegretto (3:43)
4. Finale: Fuga: Allegro moderato (2:29)

String Quartet Op. 50 No. 5 in F major (17:10)

1. Allegro moderato (4:52)
2. Poco adagio (3:27)
3. Menuetto: Allegretto (4:17)
4. Finale: Vivace (4:35)

String Quartet Op. 50 No. 6 in D major (23:13)

1. Allegro (6:28)
2. Poco adagio (6:06)
3. Menuetto: Allegretto (5:04)
4. Finale: Allegro con spirito (5:33)

Publishers

• Label: Naxos
• Copyright: ℗ 1998 HNH International Ltd. © 1998 HNH International Ltd.
• Producer: Ibolya Tóth
• Engineer: István Berényi
• Music Notes: Keith Anderson

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

#JosephHaydn #KodalyQuartet #Naxos #StringQuartet #ClassicalMusic #PrussianQuartets #ChamberMusic #TheFrogQuartet #ClassicalPeriod #MusicHistory