Chamber Music Pieces

Question 1

Haydn Op33 No2/Hob. III:39 “the joke”, who was it dedicated to?

Answer 1

The Russian Grand Duke Paul

Question 2

Which quartets were Haydn’s first really successful successful ones?

Answer 2

Op33 quartets of 1781, the set of quartets known as Gli Scherzi (each scherzo rather than minuet) or “Russian” quartets

Question 3

Haydn Op33 No2/Hob. III:39 “the joke”, how is this different from his earlier works?

Answer 3

Moved a long way from the texture of his earliest quartets, use of octave doubling. Each instrument has an independent part, though there is some doubling in 3rds, 6ths or 10ths. Often the 1st violin carries the melody. Additionally themes are developed within and outside the development section

Question 4

Haydn Op33 No2/Hob. III:39 “the joke”, why is the quartet name “The Joke”?

Answer 4

Towards the end of the finale, where the music sounds as though it is finished, the theme is presented in fragmented form. Leaves the audience not knowing when to clap

Question 5

Mozart’s String Quartets No17, K458 ‘The Hunt’ - how was Mozart influenced by Haydn?

Answer 5

Haydn’s Op33 quartets had a big impact on Mozart, who published quartets No14-19 in 1785 dedicated to Haydn, this is why they are now known as the ‘Haydn’ Quartets

Question 6

Where were Mozart’s String Quartets No17, K458 ‘The Hunt’ performed?

Answer 6

In Mozart’s home over two different evenings at which Haydn was present. Haydn returned Mozarts compliment, saying to Leopold Mozart that his son was the greatest composer he knew

Question 7

Mozart’s String Quartets No17, K458 ‘The Hunt’ - why was it named the Hunt?

Answer 7

This Quartet from the set of Haydn quartets were nicknamed this, not by Mozart or his publisher, the opening bars sound like a hunting call and the first movement is in 6/8

Question 8

Mozart’s String Quartets No17, K458 ‘The Hunt’ - how were the “conversational” style of quartet writing very clear?

Answer 8

• bars 43-47 each instrument plays a short motif as a solo, as if commenting on it, before coming together again in bar 47
• this short motif plays a large role in the rest of the movement
• at the start of the development we expect to feel unsettled, as composers dissect the music from the exposition and pass through several keys in quick succession

Question 9

Beethoven’s String Quartet No1 in F, Op18 No1 - when did Beethoven begin writing string quartets?

Answer 9

Perhaps overawed by H+Ms achievements in the string quartet genre, Beethoven was 27 before writing his own, preferring to work out ideas in piano trios first

Question 10

Beethoven String Quartet No9 in C, Op59 No3 - who was this dedicated to?

Answer 10

Prince Razumovsky the Russian ambassador in Vienna, this set often known as the “Razumovsky” quartets

Question 11

Beethoven String Quartet No9 in C, Op59 No3 - who was this played by?

Answer 11

These quartets are long and difficult; it is likely that Beethoven was writing music for virtuosos to perform in public, not for amateurs to play at home. The cello part is fully independent, as in Bethovens sonatas for cello and piano

Question 12

Beethoven String Quartet No9 in C, Op59 No3 - what was the first movement inspired by?

Answer 12

Mozart’s “Dissonance” Quartet K 495, with a slow introduction and many dissonant and ambiguous chords. Beethoven took the continued chromatidim and uncertainty to a new level

Question 13

Beethoven String Quartet No9 in C, Op59 No3 - where were they first performed?

Answer 13

In Vienna, audiences and critics unconvinced