14. Coffee Concert

In the years 1768-72 Haydn wrote three sets of string quartets and the third set, the six quartets of Op.20, have become the foundations of the string quartet as we know them. Emulated by Mozart, copied out by Beethoven, revered by Brahms, these quartets have not lacked for high powered admirers. It is in this set that the idea of the quartet as a conversation among equals begins to take hold. Although the first violin still has the lead part, every part now becomes important.