Classical Symphonies by Franz Joseph Haydn - Essay Example

ical Symphonies by Franz Joseph Haydn’s Introduction The ical period, which is also referred to as ‘the Vennese Classic period’ or ‘the Age of Enlightment’, refers to the period approximately between 1775 and 1825. The name classical was used to refer to the period because; this was the time that people build an ardent interest in both art and literature through both admiring and emulating the art of the classical period. The main focus of the music of this time was directed towards the social changes that were taking place at the time which this kind of music was being written. This period proves to be unique as compared to the period that existed before (the Barogue/Renaissance). The main difference between the two music eras comes in with respect to the number of composers that dominated in either era. The Renaissance/Barogueera was characterized by many composers. The other period (Classical) was characterized by the domination only three composers namely; Joseph Haydn, Amedeus Mazart and Ludwig ban Beethoven. This article focuses on the first composer (Joseph Haydn), who was one of the first composers of this era. It is inevitable to talk about the classical period of music without mentioning the Australian, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), who was one of the first composers of this period. The composer is remembered for the various outstanding works of that time including symphony(a word which means sounding together) pieces, sonatas, string quarters, piano trios just to mention some.However, of the various pieces that have been worked on by this composer, symphony has given Haydn most of the credit he has received and still continues to receive at the present time even after his death. The term symphony has a number of definitions, all which bring out the same meaning. “Symphony is an elaborate instrumental composition in three or more movements, which are the same as sonata in terms of form but unlike the sonata, symphony is written for an orchestra and usually of far grander proportions and a wide variety of instruments” (Webster, 21). ‘The Father of Symphony” is name that is sometimes used to refer to him as a result of his contribution towards the piece. This is because of the many symphonies (more than 100) he wrote. Other symphony composers include of the period include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Niccolò Paganini. However, in his (Haydn), work hardly used a keyboard instrument; in fact the only time mentioned of him using a keyboard was when he was in London. In his works, the music characteristics of that time (classical period) Like any other piece of the classical period, Haydn’s Symphony was characterized by melody, rhythm, texture, dynamics, form and mood. In his symphonies, Haydn used either one or more of the mentioned characteristics. The first characteristic (melody) entailed the contrasting of two or more themes by use of clearly defined musical phrases which were also precise/short.The melodies of this period are not only easy to recall but also considered as the most tuneful. Due to the combination of either two or more different phrases (of a uniform length), the melody of a classical piece (in this case the symphony) was usually both balanced and symmetrical.“…..and it weld three separate rhythms – freely developing melody, beginning messa di voce; sinuously syncopated, melodically active inner part…” (Webster, 67). Nearly all the movements (Allergo, Andate moderato, Manuet –trio and Finale: Allabreve) in Symphony As Webster (2004) puts it, “The opening Allegro, 3/4 , begins with the theme that is potentially in double counterpoint , the long melody notes contrasting with “running” quavers in the bass (though melody is heard in homophonic versions…” Webster 70). The second characteristic used by Franz Joseph in his symphony was the use of rhythm, which was both very defined and regular. Adagio, ma non troppo, Allegro, Minuet – Trio and Finale: Prestomovements in are mainly characterized by the use of rhythm. The second minuet (movement) characterized by striking dotted rhythm. “…and a quiet motive with rhythm: long-long-short-short (the long notes descend by step, the short ones simply repeat……..minuet features “Scotch snap” rhythm, while in the trio a solo bassoon doubles the violin melody…” (Webster, 72). Texture, was yet another characteristic used in the music of the classical period. This was mostly homophonic, where all the keep with each other in step which was usually referred to as chordal style. In his symphony, there is the inclusion of the breaking off and texture contrasting of the piano. The texture changes were less often and the rhythmic changes slower. One of the more leisurely Sonata-forms; the Andante, was considered more leisurely as compared to the other several movements that prevailed as at that period. This was basically because of the texture which was both more varied and less continuous. Dynamics was one of the characteristic of the music of the classical period. It was used in combination with other characteristics (such as melody, rhythm and texture) of that time to make symphony more fascinating. There was use a wider range of dynamics; use of the crescendos and diminuendos. “The minuet begins as a vigorous forte, and continues so after the double bar, but the reprise-as so often in Haydn minuets – is varied. The winds drop out, and the dynamics shift to piano; the initial-quarter rest in the basis….” (Webster, 92). Timbre, which was also referred to as wind timbre/mixed string, was basically used by Haydn in the orchestral bass parts. However, of all the characteristics of the time, this was the least used by Haydn in his in the composition of his famous piano piece (symphony). Among the characteristics that were widely used in his symphony pieces, form was one of them. Trio form, rondo, minuet, fugue and sonata are the examples of the forms observable in Haydn’s symphony pieces. The sonata form, 3/4, 4/4 just like all the other close variants was characterized by opening movements which were fast which were always both “weightiest” and longest. However, towards the ends, these forms, they become both extremely fast and short; either miniature da capo structure or sonata forms. This vigorous movement is also a feature of the winds of the trio form. The concluding movement of symphony (Tempo di Menuet) is not only long and leisurely but also, it contains a similarly lengthy trio in its tonic minor. Finally, another important and defining characteristic of the classical period was mood which was often used in a contrasting manner. Various pieces of the period included fluctuating moods which would either suddenly or gradually change so as to bring out both the main idea and theme. Joseph included the same feature in his symphony since this was one of the characteristics which drew the attention of the attention of that time. This characteristic mainly served the purpose of ensuring the message of a given symphonic piece remained in ones memory for a long period of time. “…beginning messa di vose; sinuously syncopated, melodically active inner part; “walking” bass - into a mood that is not easily described, but once heard, it is not easily forgotten…” (Webster, 28). Conclusion For any piano piece to be appreciated by the audience during the classical period, it had to utilize a good number and if not all of the characteristics portrayed in Haydn’s piano piece (symphony). It is due to the appropriate inclusion of these characteristics that made the audience to have a more liking of his work as compared to that of his counterparts who worked on the same piano piece. However, it is important not to conclude this article without clarifying that the fact that Haydn was also referred to as the father of symphony does not mean that he was the founder of symphony, as seen in the discussion above, it is because of the many symphonic pieces (more than 100) he worked on and also, the appropriate use of the various music characteristics of the time. In addition to these, symphony was one of the classical period piano pieces which were on very high demand as at that time, in other words, Haydn’s work served to satisfy his audience. Work cited James Webster. (2004). Haydns Farewell Symphony and the Idea of Classical Style: Through Composition and Cyclic Integration in His Instrumental Music. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. Read More