[Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
One of the great composers of the Classical period, Franz Joseph Haydn.
He is known as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet” for composing many symphonies and string quartets, but he also wrote numerous concertos and piano sonatas, exerting a tremendous influence on the world of classical music.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of Haydn’s masterpieces and signature works!
One of the pieces is used for today’s German national anthem, so be sure to check it out.
Enjoy the music of Haydn.
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[Haydn] Pick Up His Masterpieces and Signature Works! (11–20)
Symphony No. 98 in B-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn
This is one of the London Symphonies composed for Haydn’s first trip to London in 1792.
Known for skillfully incorporating folk and popular tunes into his works, Haydn is said to have delighted London audiences by using the British national anthem, “God Save the King,” at the beginning of the second movement of this symphony.
It is also said that, beyond this gesture, the passage reflects his grief over the death of his close friend Mozart in February 1791, the previous year.
String Quartet No. 77 in C major “Emperor”Franz Joseph Haydn
A string quartet composed by Haydn in 1797.
Consisting of four movements, this work was written after Haydn was inspired by the British national anthem during his visit to London and felt that Austria needed a similar piece.
The majestic melody that appears especially in the second movement was later used as the national anthem of Austria and Germany.
This work showcases Haydn’s creativity and musical prowess.
It’s recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for those with an interest in history and politics.
Oratorio ‘The Seasons’Franz Joseph Haydn
This oratorio, which Haydn worked on in his later years, richly depicts nature and human activity.
It was written as a sequel to The Creation.
Taking the changing seasons and the lives of peasants as its subject, it expresses each season’s characteristics and natural phenomena through music and text.
The joy of spring, the heat of summer, the harvest of autumn, and the cold of winter are all vividly portrayed.
This work can be called the culmination of Haydn’s compositional techniques.
It is recommended for those interested in the beauty of the seasons and everyday life.
Be sure to listen to it after The Creation!
The Oratorio ‘The Creation’Franz Joseph Haydn
The oratorio that Haydn unveiled in 1798 is a masterpiece that depicts the story of Genesis with grand music.
Haydn composed more than a hundred symphonies and earned the title “Father of the Symphony,” and his exceptional talent is fully on display in this work as well.
Structured in three parts, the piece portrays the process of Creation through orchestra, chorus, and soloists.
The section depicting the birth of light, in particular, leaves a profound impression on listeners.
Haydn himself called this work “the greatest I have ever achieved,” and it stands as music both majestic and warm, celebrating the mystery and beauty of nature.
Nelson Mass, Hob. XXII:11Franz Joseph Haydn
A sacred work composed by Haydn in 1798.
Born against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, this piece expresses hope in a time of hardship.
Alongside grand choral and orchestral writing, it features beautiful solo singing.
In the Credo and Gloria in particular, Haydn’s craftsmanship shines in intricate polyphony that conveys praise to God with solemn grandeur.
In the Agnus Dei, the music reflects a yearning for divine grace even amid deep sorrow, leaving a profound impression on listeners.
It’s a highly recommended piece not only for those interested in sacred music but also for fans of classical music in general.
The Seven Last Words of Christ on the CrossFranz Joseph Haydn
Composed in 1786, this work is a monumental piece of sacred music that expresses the Seven Last Words of Christ on the cross through music.
Commissioned by a Spanish cathedral, it was later adapted into versions for string quartet and oratorio.
Consisting of seven slow movements, it conveys Christ’s suffering and profound spirituality.
In particular, the Largo of the Fourth Sonata—“My God! Why have You forsaken me?”—renders heartrending emotion with remarkable power.
In this video, it corresponds to 32:48.
It’s highly recommended not only for those interested in Christian music, but also for anyone seeking serene, contemplative music.
Symphony No. 31 in D major, “Horn Signal”Franz Joseph Haydn
It is a symphony composed in 1765.
It begins with a horn theme representing a post horn.
The subtitle “Horn Signal” came into use in the 19th century.
Its connection with the Symphony No.
72 in D major has been noted; in fact, the dates of composition are close, and this work was written later.
Both pieces were written to showcase the virtuosity of the Esterházy horn players.
Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major, Hob. VIIe:1Franz Joseph Haydn
It is one of Haydn’s late works from the period when he was engaged with oratorios and masses, and it is also the last concerto he composed.
Its premiere in 1800 was poorly received and it fell into obscurity, but it was finally published in 1929.
Today it has become a core piece in the trumpet repertoire.
Symphony No. 95 in C minorFranz Joseph Haydn
It is the only minor-key work among the London Symphonies, and notably the only one whose opening movement begins without a slow introduction.
Details such as a solo cello section in the trio of the minuet movement showcase Haydn’s inventiveness throughout the piece.
Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, “Farewell”Franz Joseph Haydn
Composed in 1772, the Symphony No.
45 is a masterpiece that fully showcases Haydn’s genius.
It was born from an original idea: to convey through music that the musicians, whose performance season at the Esterházy family’s summer palace had dragged on, wished to see their families.
Remarkably, in the final movement the players finish one by one and leave the stage, until only a violinist and the conductor remain, an effect that vividly reflects Haydn’s witty character.
From the tense first movement to the emotionally rich second movement and the surprise-filled finale, it never lets the listener grow weary.
One cannot help but be moved by the skill with which it communicates people’s feelings through music.