The minor key of this quartet gives some indication of its unusual status. Haydn, like other composers of his time, had little traffic with minor keys but in this group of six quartets he uses the minor key twice and it becomes frequent in subsequent quartets.

The first movement has a noble theme and an appropriately stately motion. Haydn commands the full resources of his instruments with freedom and authority. This is music of a unique world, serious but not sad. The music sinks in volume only to gather itself for a quiet two note conclusion. The minuet continues the mood of the first movement. Voice plays off voice and the trio hints at a Landler. In the third movement Haydn embellishes a majestic theme with almost profligate abundance. The last movement is brisk and busy with lively fugue and, as with the first movement, a two note conclusion.



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