Deryk Barker asks:

>BTW, I recall reading that there is no conclusive evidence that the SQ
>arrangement is actually by Haydn. Anyone confirm/deny this?

 From liner notes to the Vermeer Quartet recording of the quartet version
of "Seven Last Words":

"The work was originally scored for full orchestra.  While these past
were being printed in 1787,Haydn crafted an alternate version for string
quartet.  Later that year, under Haydn's supervision, the publisher made a
piano reduction of the orchestra score.  In addition, various arrangements
for choir were subsequently made, including one by the composer."

I don't know if this is the last word on the subject.  I supposed Robbins
Landon might shed some light, but I don't have access to his encyclopedic
work on Haydn.

Scott Morrison