Slow Movement from Haydn's 'Emperor' Quartet OP. 76, NO. 3

Slow Movement from Haydn's 'Emperor' Quartet OP. 76, NO. 3 The slow movement from Haydn's 'Emperor' Quartet is said to be one of Haydn's greatest works. He uses a simple yet classic melody throughout his piece that is the underlying feature of this movement. The melody is in the form AABCC but the movement itself is in the style of theme and variations. The music in the movement is played sweetly (dolce) and is in cut time. …

…similar rhythmic lines. The start of the variation has mostly crotchets and minims but in bar 10 Haydn has made use of quavers till the end of the piece. The cello changes clef in bars 7 to 14 to an alto clef then back to a bass clef. The three parts having the similar rhythmic lines helps creates a thick texture of harmonies. The ending bars draw a closure to the movement with the long cadence ending softly.