Mozart: String Quartets, K. 421, K. 428, K. 465

In Italian, Mozart dedicates his six so-called “Haydn” Quartets, of which here Engegård Quartet presents three. Italian was a language well known by both, as composers of Italian operas, and Mozart has indeed been diligently thorough with the style, and even got a little help.

To my dear friend Haydn,

A father who had decided to send his children out into the world would seek to entrust them to the protection and guidance of a celebrated man, especially one who also happened to be his best friend. Here they are now, my six children! Welcome them, celebrated man, and dearest friend.

It was a long and tedious process; but many friends gave me the hope that the endeavor, at least to some degree, will pay off, and this encourages me and leads me to believe that one day these children will be a source of comfort. You yourself, dearest friend, expressed your satisfaction with them when you last visited the capital. Your encouragement pleases me most of all and makes me leave them to you with the hope that they’re not unworthy of your approval.

Please receive them kindly, and be to them like a father, a guide, and friend! From now on I surrender all my rights over them. I ask you to forgive any mistakes that this loving father might have overlooked, and that you, despite of them, will continue the friendship towards one who values you with such high regard.

I remain, dearest friend, from all my heart, your most earnest friend,

W. A. Mozart
Vienna, 1 September 1785 (Translated Italian-Norwegian-English)

Engegard Quartet
Arvid Engegard – Violin
Alex Robson – Violin
Juliet Jopling – Viola
Jan Clemens Carlsen – Cello