The second quartet of Haydn’s Opus 76 is in the key of D minor, and it earned its nickname of “Quinten” (German for Fifths) from the widely spaced descending intervals announced by the first violin in the opening bars, a motif that is to re-appear quite often.
The second movement opens in D major and includes a modulating central section and an embellished return of the first theme.
This is followed by a movement sometimes known as the Hexenmenuett (Witches’ Minuet), in which the two lower strings imitate the two upper, contrasted with the ostinato of its D major Trio. The D minor principal theme of the last movement returns softly in the key of D major and leads forward to a more rapid conclusion in the same key.
Here are four outstanding musicians to play this amazing music for you:
