Mozart, who had been profoundly moved by Haydn’s String Quartets op. 33, composed the six quartets of which this is one, between 1782 and 1785 and he dedicated them to his friend Joseph Haydn with the words:
“Here they are then, O great man and dearest friend, these six children of mine. They are, it is true, the fruit of long and laborious efforts.”
The Hagen Quartet, consisting of the siblings Lukas, Veronika and Clemens Hagen along with the violinist Rainer Schmidt, attracted great attention and scored impressive successes while its members were still students at the Salzburg Mozarteum. Their international career began with their appearance at the Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival in 1981.
The quartet is now internationally known for its inspired performances, especially of works by Mozart.
I had the great pleasure to meet the members of the Hagen Quartet when they came to California for a concert many years ago.
And now, just enjoy this music:
