Listening Journal #10: Haydn String Quartet

Haydn String Quartet Op. 76 No. 2, "Fifths" I. Allegro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp2x0YKI7QE

Elements

• Four string instruments (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello)
• Tempo: Allegro
• Dynamic contrast
• Ornamentation (trills)

Structure

• Beginning: 
• minor
• Forte
• Homophonic (melody in violin I)
• 0:10 - Violin 2 solo
• piano (soft)
• Homophony with crescendo
• 0:25 - Minor to major 
• Sequencing
• Modulations occur throughout the piece
• Motives are repeated
• 4:20 - new motive
• 6:25 - tempo change
• adagio to vivace
• Overall heavy use of perfect intervals 

Context

• Classical era
• Joseph Haydn - Classical composer