The influence of Haydn's quartets Opp. 20 and 33 on Mozart's "Haydn" quartets goes beyond imitation. When Mozart invokes a specific Haydn quartet he uses overt parallels to invite a comparison with Haydn, yet usually changes and transforms the model's form. An element ostensibly borrowed from Haydn is for Mozart a mere point of departure, the striking transformations of which reveal Mozart's rivalry with his model. Mozart's veiled intention, homage combined with confrontation, is also traceable in the rhetoric of his notorious letter of dedication to Haydn.

Works: Mozart: String Quartet in D Minor, K.421 (371-77), String Quartet in G Major, K. 387 (374-75), String Quartet in C Major, K.465 (380-92), String Quartet in A Major, K.464 (392-405).

Sources: Haydn: String Quartet in G Major, Op. 33, No. 5 (371-77), String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 20, No. 5 (374-75), String Quartet in C Major, Op. 33, No. 3 (380-92), String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2 (392-405).

Index Classifications: 1700s

Contributed by: Tamara Balter