Search - Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer), Tátrai Quartet :: Franz Joseph Haydn: 6 String Quartets Op. 71/74 "Apponyi Quartets" - Tátrai Quartet

Although dedicated to a Hungarian aristocrat, Haydn's penultimate set of six quartets was actually composed for his concerts in London. The dual opus number reflects the way in which the works were published--they belong together as a group. There's a marked difference between these pieces and the Viennese quartets, Op. 64. The music is less intimate, but more forceful, with a plentiful use of folk tunes. Haydn clearly intended public performance, and they were indeed a big hit with the English concert going public. The Tatrai Quartet project the "bigness" of this music very confidently, and the recorded sound is naturally balanced and warm. --David Hurwitz