DCIX. HAYDN, Franz Joseph: String Quartet #62 in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3

DCIX. HAYDN, Franz Joseph (1732-1809)

String Quartet #62 in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3 (1797)
1. Allegro
2. Poco Adagio. Cantabile -- Variations I-IV
3. Menuetto. Allegro
4. Finale. Presto
Zagreb Quartet
(21:34)

Commissioned by Count József Erdődy and nicknamed the Kaiserquarett, which we'll explain below.

First movement

Typically, Haydn's simple little themes undergo great transformation, as in this sonata form movement.

Second movement

Haydn -- who spent many years in England -- was always greatly moved by the simple British anthem, God Save the King. The same tune is used for the patriotic American tune America, or My Country 'Tis of Thee, which I grew up singing in school.

Determined to have such an anthem for his native Austria/Hungary, he dug through many old folk songs, and after many drafts, composed this famous melody.

This is the original version written as a paean to Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor.

The text changed over the centuries, but today it is the German national anthem.

In this movement, he states the theme with warm accompaniment, and then gives each instrument the melody over the subsequent four variations:

Third movement

Traditional minuet with a Trio in A Minor:

Fourth movement

A very satisfying conclusion, in C Minor: