Franz Joseph Haydn is often referred to as the Father of the Symphony and the Father of the String Quartet.

Not that he invented either of those musical forms, but he was the one who developed them into a widely recognized format that other composers then copied.

Once he was put in charge of the musical establishment at Prince Esterhazy’s palace, he began composing for his patron, an audience of one, who happened to be extremely musically sophisticated, so Haydn was able to give his musical imagination free rein.

After his first few sets of string quartets, Haydn composed his set of six quartets, Opus 33, in what he described as a new, special way. It is often said that beginning with Opus 33 the four instruments, two violins, viola, and cello, have become equals, engaging in a conversation among themselves rather than the second violin, viola, and cello simply providing accompaniment figures for the first violin’s melody.

But that’s only partly true. Haydn did greatly expand the capabilities of the other three instruments, but the first violin still remains somewhat more equal than the other three.

In any case, the good news is that the Brentano Quartet will be playing the entire six quartet set of Opus 33 this afternoon (May 4) at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia at 3 PM Eastern time. And the even better news is that the concert will be streamed live over the internet.

You can go here for more information, including the link to the YouTube stream.

Or you can go directly the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society’s YouTube page.

Now if you aren’t able to make it for the live streaming concert or can’t stay for the whole thing, PCMS generally keeps the video available for a few days after the concert. I’m not sure how long, I think it depends on the artists involved.