Music Set #233 - Haydn - Symphonies

Joseph Haydn 

[ˈjoːzɛf ˈhaɪdən] (1732 - 1809)

Haydn was often called the "Father of the Symphony", because of his important contributions, besides having composed 104 symphonies!  

Symphony no.45 

When the tempo is changed from presto (very fast) to adagio (slow) in the middle of the movement (by 4:18), the performers start to leave the stage! 

* Mvt 4 (finale): Presto - Adagio

  
It was by Haydn's design. Their boss made them perform in a summer palace for long, but disallowed them to bring their families along. Aware of his team's grief, Haydn wrote the score so that the performers, one after the other, put out their candles and fare-welled the stage. The boss finally got the message and in the next morning announced leaving the summer palace for home. Thus nicknamed “Farewell” Symphony.

Symphony no. 94 

* Mvt 2 (of 4): Andante

Haydn did not appreciate those who fell asleep during his performance.  So he humorously designed this piece to wake up the sleepers. Thus nicknamed "Surprise" Symphony.

Symphony no. 100 - with many breakthroughs and Turkisk military - hot at the time

* Mvt 2: Allegretto 

* Mvt 4: Presto 

'The nickname "Military" Symphony derives from the second and the fourth movements, which feature prominent fanfares written for C-trumpets and percussion effects.' 

Symphony no. 104 "London" Symphony --- Haydn's last symphony

* Mvt 4 (finale): Spiritoso 

Haydn on harpsichord at left bottom corner

At age of 77, Haydn died shortly after Napoleon’s French army attacked on Vienna.  Napoleon dispatched soldiers to protect Haydn's home.  Two weeks later, a memorial service was held, at which Mozart's Requiem was performed.  Mozart and Haydn appreciated each other.