In 1798, Beethoven commenced the writing of the biggest project in his first decade in Vienna, a set of six String Quartets which would become his opus 18. The F major, though listed as No. 1, was the second composed. It is an impressive piece, and its beautiful D-minor adagio was inspired by the burial-vault scene in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The Fourth Quartet, in C minor, is a fascinating piece which incorporates a gypsy theme into its final movement. Beautiful writing from the latter part of Beethoven's early period. Includes a complete, high-quality printed music score; and a compact disc containing stereo accompaniments minus you, the first violinist. Accompaniment: The Classic String Quartet