Like the other works published as Haydn's Op. 1 by Chevardiere in Paris in approximately 1767-1769, the String Quartet in E flat is actually a five-movement divertimento for string quartet. Also known as Op. 1/0 owing to an error in the original publication, the String Quartet in E flat is a very light and airy work with the first violin dominating the textures most of the time. The opening movement is a Presto built on the motif in the first violin in the opening bars. This is followed by a gracious Minuet with a chromatic Trio in C minor, a concerted Adagio for first violin with the other three strings playing only accompanimental figures, and a second Minuet written in two parts. The quartet concludes with a Presto finale with virtuoso writing for the first violin.

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