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Why is Haydn's quarter No. 3 nicknamed the "Bird quarter"?

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Haydn's String Quartet No. 3 is nicknamed the "Bird Quartet" because of the bird-like chirping motifs in its first movement, resembling the sound of birds. It reflects the cultural significance and inspiration that the natural world, particularly birds, provide in various art forms, akin to Audubon's ornithological works.

Step-by-step explanation:

Haydn's String Quartet No. 3 is nicknamed the "Bird Quartet" due to its lyrical and light-hearted first movement, which contains bird-like chirping motifs that convey a sense of cheerfulness and easy grace. This playful character is particularly evident in the violin part, which at times resembles the sound of birds singing, thus giving the quartet its avian moniker. Joseph Haydn, the composer, was known for his innovation and wit in music, which is reflected in his chamber music works such as this quartet.

John Audubon's work provides an indirect context that helps to understand the interface between music and nature. His detailed and beautiful illustrations of birds in 'The Birds of America' emphasize the importance of birds in cultural representations and remind us of their significance in inspiring works across different art forms, including music. The parallels between Audubon's visual artistry and Haydn's musical artistry illustrate the inspiration composers often draw from the natural world.

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