In 1773 Mozart composed a set of string quartets in response to Haydn’s Op. 20 series and did the same the following decade after the publication of Haydn’s ‘Russian’ quartets.

When he heard Mozart’s group of six quartets (composed 1782-5) Haydn admitted to Mozart’s father that his own efforts had been stunningly superceded. But the warmth of their correspondence was genuine and Haydn accepted dedication of these quartets with heartfelt gratitude.

At the time of these recordings (1953), the Budapest String Quartet was among the most respected chamber groups in the world and their performances have consequently, despite very occasional technical imperfections, justifiably attained legendary status; for many LP collectors these were the recordings to possess.