Franz Josef
Haydn is known as the "father" of the Symphony, since it
was he who took the various stylistic elements of his time and
essentially codified them into the familiar, 4-movement Symphonic form that became the standard for the next century.
And what wonders his 104+ symphonies contain! They are a vast treasure
trove for the musical world to revel in. Yet very few of his works are heard
at your standard symphonic concert any longer, which is a true pity.
But not at the NSO--- we play a Major Haydn Symphony every season and,
for some of us, it is the highlight of the year. Mozart's music may provide
a loftier experience, but Haydn's are more fun ---pure enjoyment from
beginning to end. And it shows in our performances.
The great #95 was written at the beginning of Haydn's big super-star
residence in London in 1791, during which time (over the course of
two lengthy residencies) he would compose his final twelve symphonies,
known as a group as the "London" symphonies. And #95 is my favorite of
them, and I've waited a long time to perform it.
It's the only one of the "London 12" that begins by immediately launching
into its opening Allegro, without a slow introduction---and a stormy and
dramatic one it is. But the contrasting secondary theme is light and
graceful--utterly charming. In fact, years ago, I must have walked
around for a whole two weeks with this melody in my head, without being
able to remember what it was; it's that catchy.
The symphony continues to amaze and delight throughout, with its graceful,
song-like variation second movement followed by the shadowy and fleetingly
tragic Minuet in C minor...which changes to the Major key for the trio section
in which Haydn awards the wide-ranging melody to the solo cello (expertly
performed, as you will hear, by the NSO's Dan Klingler).
And then there's the fourth movement, my favorite of all of Haydn's symphonic
finales, since I feel it is the most unique and special---- for reasons we will
demonstrate at the concert itself. Let's just say that the Latin inscription
which Haydn wrote on the final page of his works -- Laus Deo--- ("Praise
God") is particularly appropriate here in this finale.
See you at the Concert---- 4 pm on Sunday.
Thanks for reading,
Larry
was he who took the various stylistic elements of his time and
essentially codified them into the familiar, 4-movement Symphonic form that became the standard for the next century.
And what wonders his 104+ symphonies contain! They are a vast treasure
trove for the musical world to revel in. Yet very few of his works are heard
at your standard symphonic concert any longer, which is a true pity.
But not at the NSO--- we play a Major Haydn Symphony every season and,
for some of us, it is the highlight of the year. Mozart's music may provide
a loftier experience, but Haydn's are more fun ---pure enjoyment from
beginning to end. And it shows in our performances.
The great #95 was written at the beginning of Haydn's big super-star
residence in London in 1791, during which time (over the course of
two lengthy residencies) he would compose his final twelve symphonies,
known as a group as the "London" symphonies. And #95 is my favorite of
them, and I've waited a long time to perform it.
It's the only one of the "London 12" that begins by immediately launching
into its opening Allegro, without a slow introduction---and a stormy and
dramatic one it is. But the contrasting secondary theme is light and
graceful--utterly charming. In fact, years ago, I must have walked
around for a whole two weeks with this melody in my head, without being
able to remember what it was; it's that catchy.
The symphony continues to amaze and delight throughout, with its graceful,
song-like variation second movement followed by the shadowy and fleetingly
tragic Minuet in C minor...which changes to the Major key for the trio section
in which Haydn awards the wide-ranging melody to the solo cello (expertly
performed, as you will hear, by the NSO's Dan Klingler).
And then there's the fourth movement, my favorite of all of Haydn's symphonic
finales, since I feel it is the most unique and special---- for reasons we will
demonstrate at the concert itself. Let's just say that the Latin inscription
which Haydn wrote on the final page of his works -- Laus Deo--- ("Praise
God") is particularly appropriate here in this finale.
See you at the Concert---- 4 pm on Sunday.
Thanks for reading,
Larry
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