Haydn J. String Quartets No. 1, 2, 3 Op. 74 / Kocian Quartet (SACD hybrid)

Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in C major, Op. 74 No. 1 “Apponyi”

1. Allegro 22:55

2. Adagio cantabile

3. Menuetto: Allegretto

4. Finale: Vivace

Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in F major, Op. 74 No. 2 “Apponyi”

5. Allegro 23:24

6. Andante grazioso

7. Menuetto: Allegretto

8. Finale: Vivace assai

Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in G minor, Op. 74 No. 3 “The Rider” / “Reiterquartett”

9. Allegro 20:54

10. Largo assai

11. Menuetto: Allegretto

12. Finale: Allegro con brio

Kocian Quartet

Haydn conceived these three quartets specifically for public performances, in the large hall of Hannover Square in London, where the draper-violinist-impressario Johann Peter Salomon used to organize chamber and orchestral concerts. In this way, this trilogy opus 74 requires a resolutely symphonic style in order to reach a full splendour, as the first and famous London Symphonies, from the same time.

(Praga Digitals 2004)