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| | Joseph Haydn |
 | | His influential op.33 quartets, issued in 1782, were said to be 'in a quite new, special manner': this is sometimes thought to refer to the use of instruments or the style of thematic development, but could refer to the introduction of scherzos or might simply be an advertising device. |
 | | More quartets appeared at the end of the decade, op.50 (dedicated to the King of Prussia and often said to be influenced by the quartets Mozart had dedicated to Haydn) and two sets (opp.54-5 and 64) written for a former Esterházy violinist who became a Viennese businessman. |
 | | Haydn's growing reputation was acknowledged in a new contract that he signed with the Esterházys January 1, 1779, when at last, after fifteen years of exclusive employment, he was given the right to compose for other potential patrons, if he wished, and not merely for Prince Nikolaus. |
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