The movement begins with a dramatic, unison introduction followed by the "galloping" main theme. It is characterized by its restless energy and frequent shifts between G minor and G major.
The choice of E major for the second movement—a key very distant from G minor—was considered highly adventurous and "modern" for the late 18th century. string_quartet_in_g_minor_op_74_no_3_hob_iii74_...
This work marks Haydn's transition from writing for private aristocratic salons to writing for a paying public audience, leading to "bigger" sounds and more dramatic effects. The movement begins with a dramatic, unison introduction