[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] Picking out famous and signature pieces! (1–10)
Symphony No. 102 in B-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn
Composed by Haydn in 1794, this symphony is one of the masterpieces that epitomize his London period.
Consisting of four movements, it fully showcases the mature craftsmanship of Haydn.
At its premiere, there was an incident in which a chandelier fell, but the audience reportedly remained unharmed.
The work’s appeal lies in its variety: it begins with the otherworldly sonorities of the first movement, moves to the serene melody of the second, then to the cheerful peasant dance of the third, and concludes with a bright theme in the fourth that quotes a Croatian folk song.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to savor Haydn’s music in depth.
Piano Sonata No. 35 in C major, Hob. XVI:35Franz Joseph Haydn
A piano sonata in three movements.
It is included in the Sonatina Album used for piano instruction, and is one of the best-known among Haydn’s piano sonatas.
The first movement is an expansive sonata form that showcases Haydn’s characteristic brightness.
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.
[Haydn] Pick Up His Masterpieces and Signature Works! (11–20)
Piano Sonata No. 50 in D major, Hob. XVI/37Franz Joseph Haydn
Composed in 1780, this piano sonata is a work that showcases Haydn’s talent to the fullest.
It is said to have been written for the Auenbrugger sisters, who were outstanding pianists.
Consisting of three movements—a bright and lively first movement, an introspective and fantastical second movement, and a vigorous, dynamic third movement—it offers a richly varied structure.
This piece, which superbly expresses Haydn’s technical mastery and musical imagination, is highly recommended for anyone wishing to enjoy classical music.
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.