Zimmermann/Nawrotek - Joseph Haydn: Complete Stringquartets, Op. 50

The six quartets of Opus 50 by Joseph Haydn are among the most important works in the string quartet genre � that chamber music formation so highly valued since the era of the First Viennese School, allowing only masters of the composer�s art to express themselves. Haydn�s so-called �Prussian Quartets� (Hob. III: 44-49) of 1787 were dedicated to the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II, an enthusiastic amateur cellist. Here, he developed the classical style of music-making, which he had shaped so decisively himself, even further. Starting with a rather simple theme, the motifs are artfully wrought � especially in the opening movement of the quartets � and it is notable that all four instrument are treated as near-equals.