String Quartets, Op. 76 (Haydn)

The String Quartets, Op. 76, are a set of six string quartets composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797. They are widely considered to be among his finest works in the string quartet genre, and are central to the standard repertoire. These quartets are dedicated to Count Joseph Erdödy.

The Op. 76 quartets, numbered 75-80 in the Hoboken catalogue, represent Haydn's mature quartet style. They are characterized by their melodic inventiveness, sophisticated harmonic language, and intricate contrapuntal textures. Each quartet exhibits a distinct character and individuality, showcasing Haydn's mastery of form and instrumentation.

The individual quartets within Op. 76 are:

• No. 1 in G major, Hob. III:75: A cheerful and optimistic work with a notable fugal finale.
• No. 2 in D minor, Hob. III:76 (The "Fifths" Quartet): Notable for its unusual and striking use of descending intervals of a fifth in the first movement.
• No. 3 in C major, Hob. III:77 (The "Emperor" Quartet): This quartet is famous for its second movement, which features a theme and variations based on the "Emperor's Hymn" (Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser), a melody that Haydn also used for the Austrian national anthem.
• No. 4 in B-flat major, Hob. III:78 (The "Sunrise" Quartet): So named for the rising melody that opens the first movement.
• No. 5 in D major, Hob. III:79: A vibrant and energetic quartet with a memorable Hungarian-inspired dance in the finale.
• No. 6 in E-flat major, Hob. III:80: A complex and profound work, considered by some to be the most challenging of the set. It concludes with a highly chromatic and emotionally intense finale.

The Op. 76 quartets were composed at a time when Haydn was at the height of his creative powers, and they reflect his deep understanding of the string quartet medium. These works continue to be performed and admired by audiences and musicians worldwide for their beauty, ingenuity, and expressive depth.