Listening Journal: Classical String Quartet

String Quartet no. 62 Op. 76 by Franz Joseph Haydn

II. Poco Adagio

Musical elements

Tempo - Adagio (of course)
Timbre - four string instruments: two violins, a viola, and a cello
Texture - homophonic with the violin leading
Meter - duple simple (4/4)
Eighth note lines with chromatic motion
Use of staccato style in accompaniment to contrast with legato melody
Embellishments in first violin part

Form

ABA form:
    1. legato, more polyphonic opening section
    2. clearly homophonic middle section with staccato accompaniment and legato melody
    3. return of first style

Clearly recurring melodic theme
Initial melody builds on itself with embellishments and ornamentation as the piece progresses

Context

Era: mid-classical
Purpose: likely to be played for a royal family
Composer: Haydn
Country of origin: Austria