Leipziger Streichquartett - Haydn- String Quartets, Vol. 20 (2025) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

France was on the brink of revolution and Haydn was at the height of his international fame.

These famboyant quartets were written especially for the lucrative Parisian market, where quatuor brillant was becoming increasingly popular. The style is dazzlingly virtuosic and Stefan Arzberger shines with Haydn's most brilliant, high- fying, concerto-like passages, leading this remarkable ensemble's captivating interpretation with admirable aplomb.

Haydn knew the Parisians loved sensational soloistic displays and he could incorporate these into his quartets without sacrifcing depth or complexity. Quartet No. 2 in particular has an intensity that captures the mood of the exceptional era in which it was composed. Harmonically it anticipates Beethoven with its dramatic impact and astonishing boldness.

Above the sombre chorale-like theme of the C minor Adagio in Quartet No. 2, the frst violin weaves impassioned, Gypsy-infused fantasies. Like the other slow movements of opus 54, the expressiveness is immensely gratifying and soul- soothing. The Allegretto of Quartet No. 1 is siciliana- like and enigmatic, combining nostalgia and regret in a mood both sophisticated and pensive.

TRACKLIST

1. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in G Major, Op. 54 No. 1, Hob. III: 58: I. Allegro con brio
2. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in G Major, Op. 54 No. 1, Hob. III: 58: II. Allegretto
3. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in G Major, Op. 54 No. 1, Hob. III: 58: III. Menuet. Allegro
4. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in G Major, Op. 54 No. 1, Hob. III: 58: IV. Finale. Presto
5. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 54 No. 2, Hob. III: 57: I. Vivace
6. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 54 No. 2, Hob. III: 57: II. Adagio
7. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 54 No. 2, Hob. III: 57: III. Menuet. Allegretto
8. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 54 No. 2, Hob. III: 57: IV. Finale. Adagio - Presto
9. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in E Major, Op. 54 No. 3, Hob. III: 59: I. Allegro
10. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in E Major, Op. 54 No. 3, Hob. III: 59: II. Largo cantabile
11. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in E Major, Op. 54 No. 3, Hob. III: 59: III. Menuet. Allegretto
12. Leipziger Streichquartett - String Quartet in E Major, Op. 54 No. 3, Hob. III: 59: IV. Finale. Presto



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