Haydn Quartet

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Haydn Quartet was an American vocal quartet from the early days of sound recording. Around 1900 the group recorded for the Victor label and was among the first singers to reach a large audience through recordings, even before radio existed. The name refers to the composer Joseph Haydn and was meant to give the group a dignified ring. Please note: this is therefore something different from the Haydn Quartets by Mozart, which are not what this encyclopedia means.

Music and breakthrough

The singers performed the popular songs of their time in four-part harmony, without instrumental accompaniment or with a simple accompaniment. The repertoire consisted of sentimental ballads, hymns and light numbers. Sweet Adeline, recorded in 1904, became their best-known record. The song grew into a firm favourite of barbershop quartets and is still sung in that tradition to this day.

Influence

For pop history this group matters mainly as an example of the first recording industry. Vocal quartets were among the most popular kinds of recording in those years, because singing stood up well to the limited technology of the wax cylinder and the gramophone. The tight ensemble singing, in which the voices complement one another almost like instruments, returns later in doo-wop, gospel and soul.

Listening

• 
  Sweet Adeline · Haydn Quartet, 1904
  Apple Music ↗

Mentioned in other articles

• Barbershop GenreIn 1904 the Haydn Quartet had a big hit with it with Sweet Adeline.