The Leipzig String Quartet's recordings of Haydn's oevre have gained many critical awards over the years, including a BBC Radio 3 'Benchmark Recording', a Luister Award and a Choc de Monde award from France.

Now presenting volume 13 of their survey for MDG, this new recording includes the String Quartets op. 74 no. 1, 2 & 3.

After long, thoroughly satisfying years of service at the Esterhazy court, Joseph Haydn was given a well deserved retirement in 1790 - with an unusually handsome pension.

The composer, who was in great demand throughout the world, used his new freedom to travel, especially to London, and to compose string quartets again.

With the first of these "Apponyi" quartets, the Leipzig String Quartet continues its Haydn series and presents another remarkable milestone in the quartet repertoire.