String Quartet in C major "Emperor", Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. III:77
by Joseph Haydn
Written in 1797 as part of the six-quartet Op. 76 set dedicated to Count Joseph Erdödy, the 'Emperor' Quartet takes its nickname from the slow movement, a set of four variations on the melody Haydn had simultaneously composed for the Austrian imperial anthem Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser. That hymn tune later became the melody of the German national anthem, making the quartet's second movement perhaps the most historically resonant passage in the chamber music repertoire. The outer movements display Haydn's mastery of concise argument and rhythmic wit: the opening Allegro is packed with false recapitulations and harmonic surprises, the Minuet is stately yet subtly irregular, and the energetic finale drives towards its tonic close with irresistible momentum. The quartet is a cornerstone of the Classical chamber repertoire and a standard benchmark piece for student string quartets.
Editions
Henle Verlag
Reginald Barrett-Ayres, 1974
Urtext edition based on primary sources; the authoritative modern performing text for professional and student quartets.
Peters
Andreas Moser, 1922
Classic Peters performing edition; widely used in conservatories throughout the twentieth century.
Eulenburg
Wolfgang Plath, 1965
Pocket score with analytical introduction; a convenient study format for players and music students.