Franz Joseph Haydn works list. Joseph Haydn: biography, interesting facts, creativity. Joseph Haydn. Best works

This is real music! This is what should be enjoyed, this is what should be absorbed by everyone who wants to cultivate a healthy musical feeling, sound taste.
A. Serov

The creative path of J. Haydn - the great Austrian composer, senior contemporary of W. A. Mozart and L. Beethoven - lasted about fifty years, crossed the historical boundary of the 18th-19th centuries, and covered all stages of the development of the Viennese classical school - from its inception in 1760 's until the flowering of Beethoven's work at the beginning of the new century. The intensity of the creative process, the wealth of imagination, the freshness of perception, the harmonious and integral sense of life were preserved in Haydn's art until the very last years of his life.

The son of a carriage maker, Haydn discovered rare musical abilities. At the age of six he moved to Hainburg, sang in the church choir, learned to play the violin and harpsichord, and from 1740 he lived in Vienna, where he served as a choirmaster in the chapel of St. Stephen's Cathedral ( cathedral Vienna). However, in the chapel they valued only the boy’s voice - a treble of rare purity, and entrusted him with the performance of solo parts; and the composer's inclinations, awakened in childhood, remained unnoticed. When his voice began to break, Haydn was forced to leave the chapel. The first years of independent life in Vienna were especially difficult - he was poor, hungry, wandering without a permanent shelter; Only occasionally was it possible to find private lessons or play the violin in a traveling ensemble. However, despite the vicissitudes of fate, Haydn retained his openness of character, his sense of humor, which never betrayed him, and the seriousness of his professional aspirations - he studies the keyboard works of F. E. Bach, independently studies counterpoint, gets acquainted with the works of the greatest German theorists, takes composition lessons from N. . Porpora - famous Italian opera composer and teacher.

In 1759, Haydn received the position of bandmaster from Count I. Mortsin. The first instrumental works (symphonies, quartets, clavier sonatas) were written for his court chapel. When Morcin dissolved the chapel in 1761, Haydn entered into a contract with P. Esterhazy, the richest Hungarian magnate and patron of the arts. The duties of the vice-kapellmeister, and after 5 years the princely chief-kapellmeister, included not only composing music. Haydn had to conduct rehearsals, keep order in the chapel, be responsible for the safety of notes and instruments, etc. Everything works by Haydn and were the property of Esterhazy; the composer did not have the right to write music commissioned by others, and could not freely leave the prince’s possessions. (Haydn lived on the Esterhazy estates - Eisenstadt and Esterhaz, occasionally visiting Vienna.)

However, many advantages and, above all, the opportunity to dispose of an excellent orchestra that performed all the composer’s works, as well as relative material and everyday security, persuaded Haydn to accept Esterhazy’s offer. Haydn remained in court service for almost 30 years. In the humiliating position of a princely servant, he retained his dignity, inner independence and desire for continuous creative improvement. Living far from the light, with almost no contact with the wide musical world, he became during his service with Esterhazy the greatest master of European scale. Haydn's works were successfully performed in major musical capitals.

So, in the mid-1780s. The French public became acquainted with six symphonies, called “Parisian”. Over time, the composites became increasingly burdened by their dependent position and felt loneliness more acutely.

The minor symphonies - “Mourning”, “Suffering”, “Farewell” - are colored with dramatic, anxious moods. The finale of “Farewell” gave many reasons for various interpretations - autobiographical, humorous, lyrical and philosophical - during this endlessly lasting Adagio, the musicians leave the orchestra one after another, until two violinists remain on stage, finishing the melody, quiet and gentle...

However, a harmonious and clear view of the world always dominates both in Haydn’s music and in his sense of life. Haydn found sources of joy everywhere - in nature, in the lives of peasants, in his works, in communication with loved ones. Thus, acquaintance with Mozart, who arrived in Vienna in 1781, grew into real friendship. These relationships, based on deep inner kinship, understanding and mutual respect, have had a beneficial effect on creative development both composers.

In 1790, A. Esterhazy, the heir of the deceased Prince P. Esterhazy, dissolved the chapel. Haydn, who was completely freed from service and retained only the title of bandmaster, began to receive a lifelong pension in accordance with the will of the old prince. Soon the opportunity arose to fulfill a long-time dream - to travel outside of Austria. In the 1790s. Haydn made two tours to London (1791-92, 1794-95). The 12 “London” symphonies written on this occasion completed the development of this genre in Haydn’s work, confirmed the maturity of Viennese classical symphonism (somewhat earlier, in the late 1780s, Mozart’s last 3 symphonies appeared) and remained the pinnacle phenomena in the history of symphonic music. London symphonies were performed in unusual and extremely attractive conditions for the composer. Accustomed to the more closed atmosphere of the court salon, Haydn performed for the first time in public concerts and felt the reaction of a typical democratic audience. At his disposal were big orchestras, similar in composition to modern symphonies. The English public enthusiastically received Haydn's music. At Oxfood he was awarded the title of Doctor of Music. Under the impression of G. F. Handel’s oratorios heard in London, 2 secular oratorios were created - “The Creation of the World” (1798) and “The Seasons” (1801). These monumental, epic-philosophical works, affirming the classical ideals of beauty and harmony of life, the unity of man and nature, worthily crowned creative path composer.

The last years of Haydn's life were spent in Vienna and its suburb of Gumpendorf. The composer was still cheerful, sociable, objective and friendly in his attitude towards people, and still worked hard. Haydn passed away at an alarming time, in the midst of Napoleonic campaigns, when French troops had already occupied the capital of Austria. During the siege of Vienna, Haydn consoled his loved ones: “Don’t be afraid, children, where Haydn is, nothing bad can happen.”

Haydn left a huge creative heritage- about 1000 works in all genres and forms that existed in the music of that time (symphonies, sonatas, chamber ensembles, concerts, operas, oratorios, masses, songs, etc.). Large cyclic forms (104 symphonies, 83 quartets, 52 keyboard sonatas) constitute the main, most precious part of the composer’s work and determine his historical place. On the exceptional significance of Haydn's works in evolution instrumental music wrote P. Tchaikovsky: “Haydn immortalized himself, if not by inventing, then by improving that excellent, ideally balanced form of sonata and symphony, which Mozart and Beethoven later brought to the last degree of completeness and beauty.”

The symphony in Haydn's work passed big way: from early samples close to the genres of everyday and chamber music (serenade, divertissement, quartet), to the “Paris” and “London” symphonies, in which the classical patterns of the genre were established (the relationship and order of the parts of the cycle - sonata Allegro, slow movement, minuet , quick finale) characteristic types thematic and development techniques, etc. Haydn's symphony takes on the meaning of a generalized “picture of the world”, in which different aspects of life - serious, dramatic, lyrical-philosophical, humorous - are brought to unity and balance. Rich and complex world Haydn's symphonies have remarkable qualities of openness, sociability, and focus on the listener. The main source of their musical language is genre, everyday, song and dance intonations, sometimes directly borrowed from folklore sources. Included in the complex process of symphonic development, they discover new imaginative, dynamic possibilities. Complete, ideally balanced and logically constructed forms of parts of the symphonic cycle (sonata, variation, rondo, etc.) include elements of improvisation; remarkable deviations and surprises heighten interest in the very process of development of thought, which is always fascinating and filled with events. Haydn’s favorite “surprises” and “pranks” helped the perception of the most serious genre of instrumental music, giving rise to specific associations among listeners that were fixed in the names of the symphonies (“Bear”, “Chicken”, “Clock”, “Hunting”, “ School teacher", etc.). Forming the typical patterns of the genre, Haydn also reveals the wealth of possibilities for their manifestation, outlining different paths of evolution of the symphony in the 19th-20th centuries. In Haydn's mature symphonies, the classical composition of the orchestra is established, including all groups of instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion). The composition of the quartet is also stabilized, in which all instruments (two violins, viola, cello) become full members of the ensemble. Of great interest are Haydn's keyboard sonatas, in which the composer's truly inexhaustible imagination each time opens up new options for constructing a cycle, original ways of designing and developing the material. The last sonatas written in the 1790s. clearly focused on the expressive capabilities of the new instrument - the piano.

Throughout his life, art was Haydn’s main support and constant source of inner harmony, mental balance and health. He hoped that it would remain so for future listeners. “There are so few joyful and contented people in this world,” wrote the seventy-year-old composer, “everywhere they are haunted by grief and worries; Perhaps your work will sometimes serve as a source from which a person full of worries and burdened with affairs will draw moments of peace and relaxation.”

Introduction

Franz Joseph Haydn (German) Franz Joseph Haydn, April 1, 1732 - May 31, 1809) - Austrian composer, representative of the Viennese classical school, one of the founders of such musical genres as the symphony and string quartet. The creator of the melody, which later formed the basis of the anthems of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

1. Biography

1.1. Youth

Joseph Haydn (the composer himself never called himself Franz) was born on April 1, 1732 in the Lower Austrian village of Rohrau, near the border with Hungary, in the family of Matthias Haydn (1699-1763). His parents, who were seriously interested in vocals and amateur music-making, discovered in the boy musical abilities and in 1737 they sent him to relatives in the city of Hainburg an der Donau, where Joseph began to study choral singing and music. In 1740, Joseph was noticed by Georg von Reutter, director of the chapel of the Vienna Cathedral of St. Stefan. Reutter took the talented boy to the choir, and he sang in the choir for nine years (including several years with his younger brothers). Singing in a choir was good for Haydn, but the only school. As his abilities developed, he was assigned difficult solo parts. Together with the choir, Haydn often performed at city festivals, weddings, funerals, and took part in court celebrations.

In 1749, Joseph's voice began to break and he was kicked out of the choir. The subsequent ten-year period was very difficult for him. Josef took on various jobs, including being a servant of the Italian composer Nicola Porpora, from whom he also took composition lessons. Haydn tried to fill the gaps in his musical education by diligently studying the works of Emmanuel Bach and the theory of composition. The harpsichord sonatas he wrote at this time were published and attracted attention. His first major works were two brevis masses, F-dur and G-dur, written by Haydn in 1749 even before he left the chapel of St. Stefan; opera “The Lame Demon” (not preserved); about a dozen quartets (1755), the first symphony (1759).

In 1759, the composer received the position of bandmaster at the court of Count Karl von Morzin, where Haydn was under the leadership of a small orchestra, for which the composer composed his first symphonies. However, soon von Mortsin begins to experience financial difficulties and ceases his musical project.

In 1760 Haydn married Maria Anna Keller. They did not have children, which the composer greatly regretted.

1.2. Service with Esterhazy

In 1761, a fateful event occurred in Haydn's life - he was taken as the second bandmaster at the court of the Esterhazy princes, one of the most influential and powerful aristocratic families of Austria-Hungary. The duties of the conductor include composing music, leading the orchestra, playing chamber music for the patron and staging operas.

During his almost thirty-year career at the Esterházy court, the composer composed large number works, his fame is growing. In 1781, while staying in Vienna, Haydn met and became friends with Mozart. He gives music lessons to Sigismund von Neukom, who later became his close friend.

Throughout the 18th century, in a number of countries (Italy, Germany, Austria, France and others), processes of formation of new genres and forms of instrumental music took place, which finally took shape and reached their peak in the so-called “Viennese classical school” - in the works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven . Instead of polyphonic texture, homophonic-harmonic texture acquired great importance, but at the same time, polyphonic episodes were often included in large instrumental works, dynamizing the musical fabric.

1.3. Free musician again

In 1790, Nikolaus Esterházy died, and his successor, Prince Anton, not being a music lover, dissolved the orchestra. In 1791, Haydn received a contract to work in England. Subsequently, he works extensively in Austria and Great Britain. Two trips to London, where he wrote his best symphonies for Solomon's concerts, further strengthened Haydn's fame.

Haydn then settled in Vienna, where he wrote his two famous oratorios: “The Creation of the World” and “The Seasons.”

Passing through Bonn in 1792, he meets the young Beethoven and takes him on as a student.

Haydn tried his hand at all types of musical composition, but not in all genres his creativity manifested itself with equal force. In the field of instrumental music, he is rightly considered one of the largest composers of the second half of the 18th century and the beginning. XIX centuries. Haydn's greatness as a composer was most manifested in his two final works: the great oratorios “The Creation of the World” (1798) and “The Seasons” (1801). The oratorio “The Seasons” can serve as an exemplary standard of musical classicism. Towards the end of his life, Haydn enjoyed enormous popularity.

Work on oratorios undermined the composer's strength. His last works were “Harmoniemesse” (1802) and the unfinished string quartet op. 103 (1803). The last sketches date back to 1806; after this date, Haydn did not write anything else. The composer died in Vienna on May 31, 1809.

The composer's creative heritage includes 104 symphonies, 83 quartets, 52 piano sonatas, oratorios (The Creation of the World and The Seasons), 14 masses, and operas.

A crater on Mercury is named after Haydn.

2. List of essays

2.1. Chamber music

8 sonatas for violin and piano (including sonata in E minor, sonata in D major)

83 string quartets for two violins, viola and cello

6 duets for violin and viola

41 trios for piano, violin (or flute) and cello

21 trios for 2 violins and cello

126 trio for baritone, viola (violin) and cello

11 trios for mixed winds and strings

2.2. Concerts

35 concertos for one or more instruments with orchestra, including:

four concertos for violin and orchestra

two concertos for cello and orchestra

two concertos for horn and orchestra

11 concertos for piano and orchestra

6 organ concerts

5 concertos for two-wheeled lyres

4 concertos for baritone and orchestra

concert for double bass and orchestra

concerto for flute and orchestra

concerto for trumpet and orchestra

13 divertimentos with clavier

2.3. Vocal works

There are 24 operas in total, including:

“The Lame Demon” (Der krumme Teufel), 1751

"True Constancy"

"Orpheus and Eurydice, or the Soul of a Philosopher", 1791

"Asmodeus, or the New Lame Demon"

"Pharmacist"

"Acis and Galatea", 1762

"The Desert Island" (L'lsola disabitata)

"Armida", 1783

“Fisherwomen” (Le Pescatrici), 1769

"Deceived Infidelity" (L'Infedelta delusa)

“An Unforeseen Meeting” (L’Incontro improviso), 1775

"The Lunar World" (II Mondo della luna), 1777

"True Constancy" (La Vera costanza), 1776

"Loyalty Rewarded" (La Fedelta premiata)

heroic-comic opera “Roland the Paladin” (Orlando Рaladino, based on the poem “The Furious Roland” by Ariosto)

Oratorios

14 oratorios, including:

"Creation of the World"

"Seasons"

"Seven Words of the Savior on the Cross"

"The Return of Tobias"

Allegorical cantata-oratorio “Applause”

oratorio hymn Stabat Mater

14 masses, including:

small mass (Missa brevis, F-dur, around 1750)

great organ mass Es-dur (1766)

mass in honor of St. Nicholas (Missa in honorem Sancti Nicolai, G-dur, 1772)

Mass of St. Caeciliae (Missa Sanctae Caeciliae, c-moll, between 1769 and 1773)

small organ mass (B major, 1778)

Mariazellermesse, C-dur, 1782

Mass with timpani, or Mass during the war (Paukenmesse, C-dur, 1796)

Mass Heiligmesse (B major, 1796)

Nelson-Messe, d-moll, 1798

Mass Theresa (Theresienmesse, B-dur, 1799)

mass with theme from the oratorio “The Creation of the World” (Schopfungsmesse, B-dur, 1801)

mass with wind instruments (Harmoniemesse, B-dur, 1802)

2.4. Symphonic music

A total of 104 symphonies, including:

"Farewell Symphony"

"Oxford Symphony"

"Funeral Symphony"

6 Paris Symphonies (1785-1786)

12 London Symphonies (1791-1792, 1794-1795), including Symphony No. 103 “With tremolo timpani”

66 divertissements and cassations

2.5. Works for piano

Fantasies, variations

52 piano sonatas

Joseph Haydn in fiction George Sand “Consuelo” References:

German name pronunciation (info)

There is no reliable information about the composer’s date of birth; official data only speaks of Haydn’s baptism, which occurred on April 1, 1732. Reports by Haydn himself and his relatives about the date of his birth vary - it could be March 31 or April 1, 1732.

One of greatest composers of all times is Franz Joseph Haydn. A brilliant musician of Austrian origin. The man who created the foundations of classical music school, as well as the orchestral-instrumental standard that we see in our time. In addition to these merits, Franz Joseph represented the Vienna Classical School. There is an opinion among musicologists that musical genres symphony and quartet were first composed by Joseph Haydn. The talented composer lived a very interesting and eventful life.

Read a short biography of Joseph Haydn and many interesting facts about the composer on our page.

Brief biography of Haydn

Haydn's biography began on March 31, 1732, when little Joseph was born in the fair commune of Rohrau (Lower Austria). His father was a wheelwright, and his mother worked as a servant in the kitchen. Thanks to my father, who loved to sing, future composer became interested in music. Absolute pitch and an excellent sense of rhythm were gifted to little Joseph by nature. These musical abilities allowed the talented boy to sing in the Gainburg church choir. Later, due to the move, Franz Joseph will be accepted into the Vienna Choir Chapel at the Catholic Cathedral of St. Stephen.

Because of his stubbornness, sixteen-year-old Josef lost his job - a place in the choir. This happened just during the voice mutation. Now he has no income to support himself. Out of desperation, the young man takes on any job. The Italian vocal maestro and composer Nicola Porpora took the young man as his servant, but Joseph found benefit in this work as well. The boy delves into the science of music and begins to take lessons from a teacher.

Porpora could not have noticed that Josef had genuine feelings for music, and on this basis famous composer decides to offer the young man an interesting job - to become his personal companion-valet. Haydn held this position for almost ten years. The maestro paid for his work mainly not in money; he worked with young talent music theory and harmony. So the talented young man learned many important musical fundamentals in different directions. Over time, Haydn's financial problems, and his initial works as a composer are successfully received by the public. At this time, the young composer wrote his first symphony.

Despite the fact that in those days it was considered already “too late,” Haydn decided to start a family with Anna Maria Keller only at the age of 28. And this marriage turned out to be unsuccessful. According to his wife, Joseph had an indecent profession for a man. During their two decades of marriage, the couple never had children, which also influenced the unsuccessful family history. Considering all these troubles, the musical genius was a faithful husband for 20 years. But an unpredictable life brought Franz Josef together with a young and charming opera singer Luigia Polzelli, who was only 19 years old when they met. Passionate love befell them, and the composer promised to marry her. But the passion faded rather quickly, and he did not keep his promise. Haydn seeks patronage among rich and influential people. In the early 1760s, the composer received a job as second bandmaster in the palace of the influential Esterhazy family (Austria). For 30 years, Haydn worked at the court of this noble dynasty. During this time they composed huge amount symphonies - 104.

Haydn did not have many close friends, but one of them was - Amadeus Mozart . Composers meet in 1781. After 11 years, Joseph is introduced to the young Ludwig van Beethoven, whom Haydn makes his student. Service at the palace ends with the death of the patron - Joseph loses his position. But the name Franz Joseph Haydn has already thundered not only in Austria, but also in many other countries such as Russia, England, France. During his stay in London, the composer earned almost as much in one year as he did in 20 years as conductor of the Esterhazy family, his former employers.

The composer's last work is considered to be the oratorio "The Seasons". He composes it with great difficulty; he was hampered by headaches and problems sleeping.

The great composer dies at the age of 78 (May 31, 1809) Joseph Haydn spent last days at his home in Vienna. Later it was decided to transport the remains to Eisenstadt.

Interesting facts

It is generally accepted that Joseph Haydn's birthday is March 31st. But his certificate indicated a different date - April 1. If you believe the composer's diaries, then such a minor change was made in order not to celebrate his holiday on April Fool's Day.
Little Joseph was so talented that he could play the drums at the age of 6! When the drummer who was supposed to take part in the procession on the occasion of Holy Week suddenly died, Haydn was asked to replace him. Because the future composer was short, due to the characteristics of his age, then in front of him walked a hunchback, who had a drum tied on his back, and Joseph could calmly play the instrument. The rare drum still exists today. It is located in Hainburg Church.
The young Haydn's singing voice was so impressive that he was asked to join the St. Stephen's Cathedral choir school in Vienna when the boy was only five years old.
The choirmaster of St. Stephen's Cathedral suggested that Haydn undergo a certain operation to prevent his voice from breaking, but fortunately the father of the future composer intervened and prevented this.
When the composer’s mother died at the age of 47, his father quickly married a young maid who was 19 years old. The difference between the ages of Haydn and his stepmother was only 3 years, and the “son” turned out to be older.

Haydn loved a girl who for some reason decided that life in a monastery was better than family life. Then the musical genius invited his beloved’s older sister, Anna Maria, to marry. But this rash decision did not lead to anything good. The wife turned out to be grumpy and not understanding of her husband’s musical hobbies. Haydn wrote that Anna Maria used his music manuscripts as kitchen utensils.
Haydn's biography contains interesting legend about the name of the F-moll String Quartet “Razor”. One morning Haydn was shaving with a dull razor, and when his patience ran out, he shouted that if he were given a normal razor now, he would give his wonderful work for it. At that moment, John Bland was nearby, a man who wanted to publish the composer's manuscripts, which no one had yet seen. After hearing this, the publisher without hesitation handed over his English steel razors to the composer. Haydn kept his word and presented new job to the guest. Thus, the String Quartet received such an unusual name.
It is known that Haydn and Mozart had a very strong friendship. Mozart greatly respected and revered his friend. And if Haydn criticized Amadeus’s works or gave any advice, Mozart always listened; Joseph’s opinion always came first for the young composer. Despite their peculiar temperaments and age difference, the friends had no quarrels or disagreements.
“Miracle” - this is the name attributed to symphonies No. 96 in D major and No. 102 in B major. All this is because of one story that happened after the concert of this work ended. People rushed to the stage to thank the composer and bow to him for beautiful music. As soon as the listeners were at the front of the hall, a chandelier fell with a roar behind them. There were no casualties - and it was a Miracle. Opinions differ at the premiere of which particular symphony this amazing incident occurred.
The composer suffered from nasal polyps for more than half his life. This became known to the surgeon, and also Joseph’s good friend, John Hönter. The doctor recommended coming to him for an operation, which Haydn initially decided to do. But when he came to the office where the operation was to take place and saw 4 large assistant surgeons, whose task was to hold the patient during the painful procedure, genius musician got scared, struggled and screamed loudly. In general, the idea of getting rid of polyps has sunk into oblivion. As a child, Joseph suffered from smallpox.

Haydn has a Symphony with timpani strikes or it is also called "Surprise". The history of the creation of this symphony is interesting. Joseph and the orchestra periodically toured London, and one day he noticed how some spectators fell asleep during a concert or were already having beautiful dreams. Haydn suggested that this happens because the British intelligentsia are not used to listening to classical music and do not have any special feelings for art, but the British are a people of tradition, so they necessarily attended concerts. The composer, the life of the party and a merry fellow, decided to act cunningly. Without thinking twice, he wrote a special symphony for the English public. The piece began with quiet, smooth, almost soothing melodic sounds. Suddenly, during the sound, a drum beat and the thunder of timpani were heard. Such a surprise was repeated more than once in the work. So, Londoners no longer fell asleep in concert halls, where Haydn conducted.
When the composer died, he was buried in Vienna. But later it was decided to rebury the remains of the musical genius in Eisenstadt. When the grave was opened, it was discovered that Joseph's skull was missing. It was a trick of two friends of the composer, who took the head for themselves by bribing people in the cemetery. Almost 60 years old (1895-1954) skull Viennese classic located in the museum (Vienna). It was not until 1954 that the remains were reunited and buried together.

Mozart was delighted with Haydn and often invited him to his concerts, and Joseph reciprocated the young prodigy and often played with him in a quartet. It is noteworthy that at Haydn's funeral the sound was "Requiem" by Mozart , who died 18 years before his friend and teacher.
Haydn's portrait can be found on German and Soviet postage stamps, issued in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the composer's death, and on the Austrian 5 euro coin.
The German anthem and the old Austro-Hungarian anthem owe their music to Haydn. After all, it was his music that became the basis of these patriotic songs.

Films about Joseph Haydn

Many educational documentaries have been made based on Haydn’s biography. All these films are interesting and exciting. Some of them tell more about the musical achievements and discoveries of the composer, while others tell various facts from the personal life of the Viennese classic. If you want to get to know this musical figure better, we present to your attention a small list of documentaries:

The film company "Academy media" shot a 25-minute documentary"Haydn" from the "Famous Composers" series.
On the Internet you can find two interesting films"In Search of Haydn". The first part lasts a little more than 53 minutes, the second 50 minutes.
Haydn is described in some episodes from the documentary section "History by Notes". From episodes 19 to 25, each of which lasts less than 10 minutes, you can study interesting biographical data of the great composer.
There is a short documentary from Encyclopedia Chanel about Joseph Haydn that is only 12 minutes long.
An interesting 11-minute film about Haydn’s absolute pitch can also be easily found on the Internet network “Absolute Pitch - Franz Joseph Haydn.”

In Guy Ritchie's 2009 Sherlock Holmes, the adagio from String Quartet No. 3 in D major is heard during the scene where Watson and his fiancée Mary dine with Holmes at a restaurant called "The Royal".
The 3rd movement of the cello concerto is used in the English film "Hilary and Jackie" 1998.
The piano concerto is featured in Steven Spielberg's film Catch Me If You Can.
The minuet from the 33rd sonata is inserted into the musical accompaniment of the film "The Runaway Bride" (continued famous film"Gorgeous").
Adagio e cantibile from Sonata No. 59 is used in 1994's The Vampire Diaries starring Brad Pitt.
The sounds of the B-dur string quartet "Sunrise" are heard in the 1997 horror film "Relic".
In the magnificent film "The Pianist", which received 3 Oscars, Haydn's Quartet No. 5 is heard.
Also, string quartet No. 5 comes from the music for films " Star Trek: Uprising" 1998 and "Fort
Symphonies No. 101 and No. 104 can be found in the 1991 film The Lord of Tides.
The 33rd string quartet is used in the 1997 comedy George of the Jungle.
The third part of String Quartet No. 76 "Emperor" can be found in the films "Casablanca" 1941, "Bulworth" 1998, "Cheap Detective" 1978, and "The Dirty Dozen".
Concerto for trumpet and orchestra appears in "Big Deal" with Mark Wahlberg.
In “The Bicentennial Man,” based on the book by the brilliant science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, you can hear Haydn’s Symphony No. 73 “The Hunt.”

Haydn House Museum

In 1889, the Haydn Museum was opened in Vienna, which is located in the composer's home. For 4 whole years, Joseph slowly built his “corner” with the money earned during the tour. Initially there was a low house, which, at the behest of the composer, was rebuilt with additional floors. The second floor was where the musician himself lived, and below he settled his assistant Elsper, who copied Haydn’s notes.

Almost all the exhibits in the museum are the personal property of the composer during his lifetime. Handwritten notes, painted portraits, the instrument Haydn used to play, and other interesting things. It is unusual that the building has a small room dedicated to Johannes Brahms . Johannes greatly respected and honored the work of the Viennese classic. This room is filled with his personal belongings, furniture and tools.

Haydn wrote 104 symphonies, the first of which was created in 1759 for the chapel of Count Morcin, and the last in 1795 in connection with the London tour.

The symphony genre in Haydn’s work evolved from examples close to everyday and chamber music to the “Paris” and “London” symphonies, in which the classical patterns of the genre, characteristic types of thematics and development techniques were established.

The rich and complex world of Haydn's symphonies has the remarkable qualities of openness, sociability, and focus on the listener. The main source of their musical language is genre-everyday, song and dance intonations, sometimes directly borrowed from folklore sources. Included in the complex process of symphonic development, they reveal new imaginative, dynamic possibilities.

In Haydn's mature symphonies, the classical composition of the orchestra is established, including all groups of instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion).

Almost all of Haydn's symphonies non-programmatic they do not have any specific plot. The exception is three early symphonies, called by the composer himself “Morning”, “Noon”, “Evening” (Nos. 6, 7, 8). All other names given to Haydn's symphonies and established in practice belong to the listeners. Some of them convey the general character of the work (“Farewell” - No. 45), others reflect the features of the orchestration (“With a horn signal” - No. 31, “With tremolo timpani” - No. 103) or emphasize some memorable image (“Bear” - No. 82, “Chicken” - No. 83, “Clock” - No. 101). Sometimes the names of symphonies are related to the circumstances of their creation or performance (“Oxford” - No. 92, six “Paris” symphonies of the 80s). However, the composer himself never commented on the figurative content of his instrumental music.

Haydn's symphony takes on the meaning of a generalized “picture of the world”, in which different aspects of life - serious, dramatic, lyrical-philosophical, humorous - are brought to unity and balance.

Haydn's symphonic cycle usually contains the typical four movements (allegro, andante , minuet and finale), although sometimes the composer increased the number of movements to five (symphonies “Noon”, “Farewell”) or limited himself to three (in the very first symphonies). Sometimes, in order to achieve a special mood, he changed the usual sequence of movements (symphony No. 49 begins with a mournful adagio).

Complete, ideally balanced and logically constructed forms of parts of the symphonic cycle (sonata, variation, rondo, etc.) include elements of improvisation, remarkable deviations and surprises sharpen interest in the very process of thought development, which is always fascinating and filled with events. Haydn’s favorite “surprises” and “practical jokes” helped to perceive the most serious genre of instrumental music.

Among the numerous symphonies created by Haydn for the orchestra of Prince Nicholas I Esterhazy, a group of minor symphonies from the late 60s - early 70s stands out. This is symphony No. 39 ( g-moll ), No. 44 (“Mourning”, e- moll ), No. 45 (“Farewell”, fis-moll) and No. 49 (f-moll, “La Passione” , that is, related to the theme of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ).

"London" symphonies

The highest achievement of Haydn's symphony is his 12 “London” symphonies.

"London" symphonies (Nos. 93-104) were written by Haydn in England, during two tours organized by famous violinist and concert entrepreneur Salomon. The first six appeared in 1791-92, another six - in 1794-95, i.e. after Mozart's death. It was in the “London” symphonies that the composer created his own stable type of symphony, unlike any of his contemporaries. This typical Haydn model of the symphony is different:

All London symphonies open slow intros(except minor 95th). Introductions serve a variety of functions:

They create a strong contrast in relation to the rest of the material in the first part, therefore, in its further development, the composer, as a rule, does without comparing disparate themes;
The introduction always begins with a loud statement of the tonic (even the same name, minor - as, for example, in symphony No. 104) - which means that the main part of the sonata allegro can begin quietly, gradually and even immediately deviate into another key, which creates the direction of the music forward to the coming climaxes;
Sometimes the introduction material becomes one of the important participants in thematic drama. Thus, in symphony No. 103 (Es-dur, “With tremolo timpani”) the major but gloomy opening theme appears both in the development and in coda I part, and in development it becomes unrecognizable, changing tempo, rhythm and texture.

Sonata form in the “London Symphonies” is very unique. Haydn created this type of sonata allegro , in which the main and secondary themes are not contrasting with each other and are often generally based on the same material. For example, the expositions of symphonies No. 98, 99, 100, 104 are monotonous. I parts Symphony No. 104( D-dur ) song and dance theme main party laid out by strings alone p , only in the final cadence does the whole orchestra enter, bringing with them fervent fun (this technique has become an artistic norm in the “London” symphonies). In the side part section, the same theme sounds, but only in the dominant key, and now the woodwinds and woodwinds alternately perform in the ensemble with strings.

In exhibitions I parts of symphonies No. 93, 102, 103 secondary themes are built on independent, but not contrasting in relation to the main topics material. So, for example, in I parts Symphony No. 103 Both themes of the exposition are perky, cheerful, in terms of genre they are close to the Austrian landler, both are major: the main one is in the main key, the secondary one is in the dominant key.

Main party:

Side batch:

In sonatas developments"London" symphonies dominate motive type of development. This is due to the dance nature of themes in which rhythm plays a huge role ( dance themes are more easily divided into individual motifs than cantilenae ones). The most striking and memorable motive of the theme is developed, and not necessarily the initial one. For example, in development I parts Symphony No. 104 a motive of 3-4 bars is being developed main topic, as the most capable of change: he sounds either questioning and uncertain, or menacing and persistent.

Developing thematic material, Haydn shows inexhaustible ingenuity. He uses bright tonal comparisons, register and orchestral contrasts, and polyphonic techniques. Topics are often heavily rethought and dramatized, although no major conflicts arise. The proportions of sections are strictly observed - developments are most often equal to 2/3 of the exhibitions.

Haydn's favorite form slow parts are double variations, which are sometimes called “Haydnian”. Alternating with each other, two themes vary (usually in the same keys), different in sonority and texture, but intonationally close and therefore peacefully adjacent to each other. In this form it is written, for example, the famous Andantefrom 103 symphonies: both of its themes are in folk (Croatian) flavor, both play out the upward movement from T to D , dotted rhythm, alteration present IV fret degree; however, the minor first theme (strings) is focused and narrative in nature, while the major second theme (the whole orchestra) is marching and energetic.

First topic:

Second topic:

There are also ordinary variations in the “London” symphonies, as for example in Andantefrom 94 symphonies.Here we vary a theme that is particularly simple. This deliberate simplicity causes the flow of music to suddenly be interrupted by a deafening blow from the entire orchestra with timpani (this is the “surprise” with which the name of the symphony is associated).

Along with variation, the composer often uses and complex tripartite shape, as, for example, in Symphony No. 104. All sections of the three-part form contain here something new in relation to the initial musical thought.

According to tradition, the slow parts of sonata-symphonic cycles are the center of lyrics and melodious melodicism. However, Haydn's lyrics in the symphonies clearly gravitate towards genre. Many of the themes of the slow movements are based on a song or dance basis, revealing, for example, features of a minuet. It is significant that of all the “London” symphonies, the direction “singingly” is present only in the Largo 93rd symphony.

Minuet - the only movement in Haydn’s symphonies where internal contrast is necessarily present. Haydn's minuets became a standard of vital energy and optimism (one could say that the composer's individuality - the traits of his personal character - manifested themselves most directly here). Most often these are live scenes folk life. Minuets predominate, bearing the traditions of peasant dance music, in particular, the Austrian landler (as, for example, in Symphony No. 104). A more gallant minuet in the “Military” Symphony, a fanciful scherzo (thanks to the sharp rhythm) in Symphony No. 103.

Minuet of symphony No. 103:

In general, the emphasized rhythmic sharpness in many of Haydn’s minuets so modifies their genre appearance that, in essence, it directly leads to Beethoven’s scherzos.

The form of the minuet is always a complex 3-part da capo with a contrasting trio in the center. The trio usually contrasts gently with the main theme of the minuet. Very often only three instruments actually play here (or, in any case, the texture becomes lighter and more transparent).

The finales of the “London” symphonies are all, without exception, major and joyful. Here Haydn's predisposition to the elements of folk dance was fully demonstrated. Very often the music of finales grows out of truly folk themes, as in Symphony No. 104. Its ending is based on a Czech folk melody, which is presented in such a way that its folk origin is immediately obvious - against the backdrop of a tonic organ point imitating bagpipes.

The finale maintains symmetry in the composition of the cycle: it returns to the fast tempo I parts, to effective activity, to a cheerful mood. Final form - rondo or rondo sonata (in Symphony No. 103) or (less often) - sonata (in Symphony No. 104). In any case, it is devoid of any conflicting moments and rushes by like a kaleidoscope of colorful holiday images.

If in Haydn's earliest symphonies the wind group consisted of only two oboes and two horns, then in the later London symphonies a full pair of woodwinds (including clarinets) is systematically found, and in some cases also trumpets and timpani.

Symphony No. 100, G-dur was called “Military”: in its Allegretto the audience guessed the decorous progress of the guards parade, interrupted by the sound of a military trumpet. In No. 101, D-dur, the Andante theme unfolds against a background of mechanical “ticking” of two bassoons and pizzicato strings, which is why the symphony was called “The Hours”.

Name: Joseph Haydn

Age: 77 years old

Activity: composer

Marital status: widower

Joseph Haydn: biography

It is no coincidence that composer Joseph Haydn is called the father of the symphony. It was thanks to the genius of the creator that this genre acquired classical perfection and became the basis on which the symphony from.

Among other things, Haydn was the first to create complete examples of other leading genres of the era of classicism - the string quartet and the keyboard sonata. He was also the first to write secular oratorios in German. Later, these compositions stood on a par with the greatest achievements of the Baroque era - the English oratorios of George Frideric Handel and the German cantatas.

Childhood and youth

Franz Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732 in the Austrian village of Rohrau, bordering Hungary. The composer's father had no music education, but in teenage years I learned to play the harp on my own. Franz’s mother was also partial to music. WITH early childhood The parents discovered that their son had outstanding vocal abilities and excellent hearing. Already at the age of five, Josef sang loudly with his father, then mastered playing the violin perfectly, after which he came to the church choir to perform masses.

From the biography of a representative of the Viennese classical school, it is known that the far-sighted father, as soon as his son was six years old, sent his beloved child to a neighboring city to his relative Johann Matthias Frank, the rector of the school. In his establishment, the man taught children not only grammar and mathematics, but also gave them singing and violin lessons. There Haydn mastered string and wind instruments, retaining his gratitude to his mentor throughout his life.

Hard work, perseverance and a natural, sonorous voice helped Joseph become famous in his native land. One day I came to Rohrau Viennese composer Georg von Reuter to select young singers for his choir. Franz impressed him and Georg took 8-year-old Joseph into the choir of Vienna's largest cathedral. There, for a couple of years, Haydn learned the art of singing, the subtleties of composition, and even composed spiritual songs.

Most difficult period for the composer began in 1749, when he had to earn a living by giving lessons, singing in church choirs and playing in various ensembles string instruments. Despite the difficulties, the young man never became discouraged and never lost his desire to learn new things.

Franz spent the money he earned on lessons from the composer Nicolo Porpora, and when Joseph was unable to pay, the young man accompanied his mentor’s young students during lessons. Haydn, like a man possessed, studied books on composition and analyzed keyboard sonatas, until late at night diligently composing music of different genres.

In 1751, Haydn’s opera entitled “The Lame Demon” was staged in one of the suburban Viennese theaters; in 1755, the creator had his first string quartet, and four years later – his first symphony. This genre in the future became the most important in the entire work of the composer.

Music

The year 1761 was a turning point in the composer’s life: on May 1, he entered into a contract with Prince Esterhazy and for thirty years remained the court conductor of this aristocratic Hungarian family.

The Esterhazy family lived in Vienna only in winter, and their main residence was in the small town of Eisenstadt, so it is not surprising that Haydn had to exchange his stay in the capital for six years to a monotonous existence on the estate.

The contract concluded between Franz and Count Esterhazy stated that the composer was obliged to compose the plays that his lordship would require. Haydn's early symphonies were written for the relatively small number of musicians at his disposal. After a couple of years of impeccable service, the composer was allowed to include new instruments in the orchestra at his discretion.

The main genre of the creator’s creativity piece of music“Autumn” always remained a symphony. At the turn of the 60-70s, compositions appeared one after another: No. 49 (1768) - “Passion”, No. 44, “Mourning”, and No. 45.

They reflected an emotional response to the emerging German literature a new style movement called “Storm and Drang”. It is also worth noting that during this period children's symphonies also appeared in the creator's repertoire.

After Joseph's fame went beyond the borders of Austria, the composer wrote six symphonies at the request of the Paris concert society, and after fulfilling orders received from the capital of Spain, his works began to be published in Naples and London.

At the same time, the life of a genius was illuminated by friendship with. It should be noted that relations between artists were never marred by rivalry or envy. Mozart claimed that it was from Joseph that he first learned how to create string quartets, so I dedicated a couple of works to my mentor. Franz himself considered Wolfgang Amadeus the greatest of contemporary composers.

After 50 years, Haydn’s usual way of life changed dramatically. The Creator received his freedom, although he continued to be listed as a court bandmaster among the heirs of Prince Esterhazy. The chapel itself was dissolved by the descendants of a noble family, and the composer left for Vienna.

In 1791, Franz was invited to go on tour to England. The terms of the contract included the creation of six symphonies and their performance in London, as well as the writing of an opera and twenty works in addition. It is known that at that time Haydn was given an orchestra with 40 musicians at his disposal. The year and a half spent in London became triumphant for Joseph, and the English tour was no less successful. During the tour, the composer composed 280 works and even became a Doctor of Music at Oxford University.

Personal life

The popularity gained in Vienna helped young musician get a job with Count Morcin. It was for his chapel that Joseph wrote the first five symphonies. It is known that in less than two years of working with Mortsin, the composer managed to improve not only his financial situation, but also tie himself in marriage.

At that time, 28-year-old Joseph had tender feelings for the youngest daughter of the court hairdresser, and she, unexpectedly for everyone, went to a monastery. Then Haydn, either in revenge or for some other reasons, married her sister Maria Keller, who was 4 years older than Joseph.

Their family union was not happy. The composer's wife was grumpy and wasteful. Among other things, the young lady did not at all appreciate her husband’s talent and often used her husband’s manuscripts instead of baking paper. To the surprise of many, family life in the absence of love, children and home comfort lasted 40 years.

Due to the reluctance to realize oneself as a caring husband and the inability to prove oneself as loving father The composer devoted four decades of his married life to symphonies. During this time, Haydn wrote hundreds of works in this genre, and 90 operas of the talented genius were staged at the Prince Esterhazy Theater.

In the Italian troupe of this theater the composer found his late love. The young Neapolitan singer Luigia Polzelli charmed Haydn. Josef, passionately in love, achieved an extension of the contract with her, and also simplified the vocal parts especially for the charming person, understanding her capabilities.

True, the relationship with Luigia did not bring happiness to the creator. The girl was too arrogant and selfish, so even after the death of his wife, Haydn did not dare to marry her. It is worth noting that at the end of his life, in the last version of his will, the composer reduced the amount allotted to Polzelli by half.

Death

IN last decade During his life, under the influence of the Handel Festival at Westminster Cathedral, Haydn developed an interest in choral music. The composer created six masses, as well as oratorios (“The Creation of the World” and “The Seasons”).

Haydn died on May 31, 1809 in Vienna, occupied by Napoleonic troops. The French emperor himself, having learned about the death of the eminent Austrian, gave the order to post a guard of honor at the door of his house. The funeral took place on June 1.

Sarcophagus of Joseph Haydn

An interesting fact is that when in 1820 Prince Esterhazy ordered the reburial of Haydn’s remains in the church of Eisenstadt, and the coffin was opened, it turned out that there was no skull under the surviving wig (it was stolen to study the structural features and protect it from destruction). The skull was only reunited with the remains in the middle of the next century, on June 5, 1954.