20 January 1979 was the date of the Endellion String Quartet’s first rehearsal. All the pieces in this programme were eagerly taken into their repertoire in the first years. Haydn’s ‘Rider’ quartet is one of his greatest and contains a sublime slow movement. The Bartók includes some of his most melodious and also some of his wildest music and is highly expressive and accessible. Beethoven's extraordinary Op.131 was his own favourite and it is widely regarded as one of the pinnacles of all music.