The Edinburgh Quartet Songbook: Haydn Op 76. No 3 "Emperor"

The third instalment of our Songbook episodes was filmed in the amazing background of Dundas Castle.
Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809) Op 76 No.3
I. Allegro
II. Poco adagio; cantabile
III. Menuetto. Allegro
IV. Finale. Presto
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The Quartet No. 62 in C major, Op. 76, No. 3, boasts the nickname Emperor, because in the second movement, Haydn quotes the melody from “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser” (“God Save Emperor Francis”), an anthem he wrote for Emperor Francis II. This same melody is known to modern listeners for its later use in the German national anthem, the Deutschlandlied. The quartet consists of four movements:
The first movement of the quartet is in the home key of C major, in common time, and is written in sonata form. The second movement, in G major cut time, is in strophic variation form, with the “Emperor’s Hymn” as the theme. The third movement, in C major and A minor, is a standard minuet and trio. The fourth movement, in C minor and C Major, is in sonata form.
The ‘modern’ Dundas Castle was built in 1818. It replaced an earlier Seventeenth Century building, which was pulled down. William Burn, one of Scotland’s greatest architects, designed the magnificent house.
He was famous for also building churches and this influence can be seen in the main hall, passageway and staircase. The main state rooms, in contrast to later and uglier Victorian buildings in Scotland, have wonderful proportions and the genius of Burn provided for the huge dimensions of the windows. These give an unparalleled outlook onto the spreading lawns and parkland outside.
Sadly for the Dundas family, the building and the extensive gardens had cost so much to construct that the estate had to be sold in 1846. Mr Russell, a gentleman who had a liking for rearing and betting on horses was the purchaser. Currently the home of Sir Jack and Lady Stewart-Clark, this authentic Scottish Castle has been transformed into a 5-star ‘Exclusive Use’ venue.
The Castle is made up of 3 main buildings. The Auld Keep was built in 1416 for the purpose of being both a home in times of peace and a fortress in times of war. In 1818 the main house as we know it today was built by the renowned architect William Burn and has belonged to the Stewart-Clark family since the late 1800s. The classic Pavilion on the lawns completes this magnificent trio of buildings to offer an elegant space for further entertaining.
Recorded by Mark Neal (Audio) and Sandy Butler (Visuals) in the beautiful historic surroundings of Dundas Castle, Edinburgh with thanks to Creative Scotland.