In 1781, Haydn composed six string quartets published as Opus 33 for the Grand Duke Paul of Russia. Sometimes referred to Haydn's "Russian" Quartets, the set is a breakthrough in quartet writing in that all four players are given equal responsibility within the ensemble and the individual parts blend into a greater whole.
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| GRAND DUKE PAUL OF RUSSIA |
Mozart was particularly impressed with the Opus 33 quartets and was inspired to compose six of his own which he would later dedicate to Haydn.
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