Haydn's String Quartet Op. 77 No. 2 in F major arranged for woodwind quintet by Simeon Loring

I am pleased to present this arrangement of Haydn's String Quartet Op. 77 No. 2 in F major for woodwind quintet. This piece, composed in 1799, represents one of the masterworks from Haydn's final set of string quartets, written at the pinnacle of his creative powers and demonstrating the full maturity of his quartetto style.

The composition unfolds in four distinct movements:

1. Allegro moderato: A masterfully crafted opening movement that exemplifies Haydn's sophisticated approach to sonata form. The movement features elegant thematic material with ingenious development, showcasing the composer's wit and structural brilliance through unexpected harmonic turns and delightful motivic play.
2. Menuetto: Presto ma non troppo: An unusually fast-paced minuet that displays Haydn's innovative spirit. This movement breaks convention with its energetic tempo and rhythmic complexity, while the contrasting trio section provides moments of graceful repose, creating a fascinating interplay between tradition and innovation.
3. Andante: A deeply expressive slow movement that reveals Haydn's profound emotional depth. The movement unfolds with sublime melodic beauty and rich harmonic language, featuring intricate ornamentation and sensitive dynamic contrasts that highlight the composer's mature lyrical voice.
4. Finale: Vivace assai: A brilliant and exuberant conclusion that bubbles with infectious energy and humor. This movement showcases Haydn's mastery of counterpoint and his gift for memorable themes, building to a triumphant finish that perfectly caps this remarkable quartet.

The price for each of the first, third, and fourth movements is set at $30. The second movement (Menuetto), being shorter, is available for $20. The complete work can be obtained for $100, offering a comprehensive experience of this remarkable composition at a slight discount compared to purchasing the movements individually.