String Quartet in D Op.20 No.4

A most genial example of a string quartet. As with many Haydn quartets the opportunity for 1st violin virtuosity is abundant, yet never above 3rd position.

Allegro di molto: This movement opens with a unison sotto voce passage and dissolves into fast triplet arpeggiations, at times in opposing pairs. There is a tricky 2nd violin passage later that would need attention.

Un poco adagio affetuoso: A stunning theme and variations, one for each of the four voices, culminating in a truly heart-rending climax

Menuetto e Trio alla Zingarese: Wicked cross-rhythms interchanging between alternating pairs give the players lots of fun – if not trouble. The Trio is cello led, delightful conversational running quavers

Presto scherzando: Nimble fingers are required in the 1st violin part and good use of spiccato in all parts. Virtuosic string writing yet employed for a witty result. Great fun had by all and gently disappears at the conclusion.