House of Mirth Music by Haydn, Borodin, and Mozart

House of Mirth Film Music

House of Mirth 1905 advertising poster by David Ericson, (1869-1946). *Public domain (see below).

These pieces of music (though not these performers) are featured on the soundtrack of the 2000 movie House of Mirth. Please note that some browsers may prevent the videos from playing on the page, but clicking on the link will permit you to watch them on YouTube.

Joseph Haydn’s “String Quartet in D Major, op. 64, no.5: 3rd Movement (The Lark)”

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809) was an influential Austrian composer whom Mozart referred to as “Papa Haydn.” He was a key figure in the evolution of chamber music forms such as the string quartet and piano trio. The third movement of his “String Quartet in D Major” is known as “The Lark” for its soaring melody. You can learn a bit more about Haydn and this movement at the L.A. Philharmonic site.

The Arioso String Quartet plays at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, FL. May 17, 2011.

“String Quartet No. 2 in D” by Aleksandr Borodin, played by the Borodin Quartet

Although Alexander Porfiryevich Borodin (1833-1887) regarded himself as first a chemist and doctor, he is better known as a Russian Romantic composer of the 19th century. String Quartet No. 2, dedicated to his wife, was the last major work he completed. You can learn more about Borodin and this beautiful composition from the Parlance Chamber Concerts show notes.

00:00 – Allegro moderato
07:56 – Scherzo
12:39 – Notturno
20:50 – Finale

“Così fan tutte: Overture” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sinfonia Rotterdam

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) composed over 800 works in his career as a Classical composer and musician. Così fan tutte, an opera buffa (comedic opera) was first performed in 1790. You can read more about Mozart’s life and music at the

(the site can be read in either English or German).

*1905 Scribner image: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1931. This work is also in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer.