RAG MusicClassic
Lovely classics

[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.

[Haydn] Picking Up Masterpieces and Signature Works! (21–30)

Oratorio ‘Solomon’: The Arrival of the Queen of ShebaFranz Joseph Haydn

Handel: Oratorio "Solomon": The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba [Naxos Classical Curations #Chic]
Oratorio 'Solomon': The Arrival of the Queen of ShebaFranz Joseph Haydn

Handel’s masterpiece oratorio, Samson.

The instrumental piece performed in Act III is renowned among classical works for its especially festive atmosphere.

Depicting the splendid arrival of a queen from the Old Testament, it features a striking, energetic interplay between oboes and strings.

It’s as if the palace doors swing open and a dazzling procession sweeps in with radiant light.

Although originally presented in March 1749 as part of the oratorio’s premiere, the piece also drew wide attention when it was performed at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

There may be no piece more fitting as celebratory background music.

the four seasonsFranz Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn: The Seasons – Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Salzburg 2013, HD 1080p)
the four seasonsFranz Joseph Haydn

This is a magnificent oratorio that crowns the later years of Franz Joseph Haydn, known as the “Father of the Symphony.” From the breath of spring to the severity of winter, it vividly depicts the cycle of the seasons and the lives of the people who dwell within them.

The way it uses music to portray natural sounds—like birdsong and the roar of storms—makes it feel as if the scenery is changing right before your eyes.

The anecdote that Haydn composed his first “chorus in praise of labor” in this work also lends it profound depth.

Since its premiere in April 1801, many outstanding performances have been preserved, so if you want to experience the beauty of the seasons through grand music, this is well worth a listen.

Piano Sonata No. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI:50Franz Joseph Haydn

2020 PTNA Pre-Special Grade, Second Round — Kana Yoshihara / Haydn: Piano Sonata in C major, Hob. XVI:50, 1st movement
Piano Sonata No. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI:50Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn, who wrote more than 65 piano sonatas, composed his Piano Sonata No.

60 in C major, Hob.

XVI:50, between 1794 and 1795.

It can be regarded as a masterpiece that epitomizes his late style.

Consisting of three movements, the sonata showcases Haydn’s musical genius and originality throughout.

The ornate melody of the first movement, the lyrical expressiveness of the second, and the humor-filled development of the finale captivate listeners and do not let go.

Symphony No. 2 in C majorFranz Joseph Haydn

“Symphony No.

2 in C major” — Movement I: Allegro, Movement II: Andante, Movement III: Presto.

The performance is by Orchestra Libera Classica, a Japanese orchestra specializing in Classical-era music such as Haydn and Mozart on period instruments.

Conducted by Hidemi Suzuki.

Symphony No. 44 in E minor “Mourning”Franz Joseph Haydn

0703 F J. Haydn Symphony No. 44 in E minor “Trauer” (Mourning)
Symphony No. 44 in E minor “Mourning”Franz Joseph Haydn

It is said that Haydn expressed a wish for the slow movement of this piece to be performed at his funeral.

Indeed, this movement was performed at the commemorative memorial event for Haydn in 1809.

The nickname “Trauer” (Sorrow) for this work originates from that.

String Quartet No. 77 in C major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. III:77 “Emperor”, II. MovementFranz Joseph Haydn

A string quartet composed by the Classical master Franz Haydn.

Among his works, this piece—affectionately known as the “Emperor”—is distinguished by its grand melody that later became the German national anthem.

Inspired by the national anthem he encountered during his stay in England, Haydn composed it in 1797.

Infused with patriotism for Austria, which was threatened by Napoleon’s invading forces, its powerful yet beautiful character captivates listeners.

Even those unfamiliar with classical music will surely be drawn into the allure of the string quartet when they hear this piece.

Cello Concerto No. 2 in D majorFranz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: 2. Cellokonzert D-Dur ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Steven Isserlis ∙ Richard Egarr
Cello Concerto No. 2 in D majorFranz Joseph Haydn

Cello Concerto No.

2 in D major: I.

Allegro moderato, II.

Adagio, III.

Allegro.

The cellist is Mstislav Rostropovich, a towering 20th-century master from Azerbaijan, and the orchestra is the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

String Quartet No. 38 in E-flat major, Op. 33 No. 2 “The Joke”Franz Joseph Haydn

Hugo Wolf Quartet: Haydn’s String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.33, No. 2, “Joke”
String Quartet No. 38 in E-flat major, Op. 33 No. 2 “The Joke”Franz Joseph Haydn

String Quartet No.

38 in E-flat major, Op.

33 No.

2 “The Joke”: I.

Allegro moderato, II.

Scherzo, III.

Largo, sostenuto, IV.

Finale.

The nickname comes from the humorous ending of the fourth movement.

Performed by the Hugo Wolf Quartet.

Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, Hob. VIIb:1Franz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: 1. Cellokonzert C-Dur ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Bruno Philippe ∙ Christoph Eschenbach
Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, Hob. VIIb:1Franz Joseph Haydn

It is Franz Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.

1 in C major, Hob.

VIIb:1.

The piece was composed around 1765–1767 for Joseph Franz Weigl, the cellist of the Esterházy orchestra.

While retaining elements of Baroque form, it blends them with Classical style, resulting in a work that conveys a spirit of experimentation.

Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52, 1st movementFranz Joseph Haydn

2016 PTNA Special Grade Semifinal: Misora Ozaki / Haydn: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52 (Complete)
Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52, 1st movementFranz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn, a master of Classical-era music, composed the Piano Sonata in E-flat major in his later years.

The first movement opens with powerful chords and unfolds into a second theme distinguished by light, graceful melodies.

Its energetic, vibrant character seems to reflect Haydn’s joy and fulfillment in life.

Written in London in 1794, this work is a masterpiece that showcases Haydn’s mature compositional technique.

Constant shifts in dynamics impart a sense of lively vitality.

With its rich musicality, the piece continues to be cherished by many performers and audiences alike.