Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) is commonly known as the “father of the symphony” and “father of the string quartet.” He was very influential to the development of the classical period with his contribution to chamber music such as the piano trio. He spent most of his career working in the Esterhazy court, a Hungarian noble family. His career revolved around the church when he wasn’t working for the Esterhazy family.
Haydn’s career is special because his life dates span over the pre-classical, classical and venture into the beginning of the romantic period. In regards to his keyboard output, when interpreting his earlier compositions it is important to bear in mind that they may have been meant for the harpsichord. It was only later that his compositions imply use of the fortepiano.
Below are two inspired records of Haydn's Piano Sonata in E flat major Hob. XVI:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWF-48jIrSU&t=1056s
András Schiff
(the three movements are in different links)
Haydn wrote 62 piano sonatas. Sonata in E flat major Hob XVI was written in 1789-1790. This sonata was written in the later years of his career. Haydn’s compositions were starting to show stylistic maturity. Haydn was still under patronage of the Esterhazy family. But in 1790, when Prince Antal’s reign began, the circumstances changed for court musicians. Prince Antal was not a music enthusiast so Haydn was left with very few duties and much freedom for his compositions.
This sonata has three movements: Allegro, Adagio e cantebile, and Finale: Tempo di Menuet. The Allegro incorporates a lovely combination of staccato and legato themes in sonata form. The Adagio e cantebile ventures to the dominant key of B flat Major and is in ternary form. The third movement returns to E flat major in a rondo. This beautiful and adventurous sonata is a journey through the possibilities of E flat major and Haydn's mature composition style.
Hi, Nicole! You chose two of my favorite pianists! I think I prefer Brendel's recording. Does it sound to you like Schiff plays the sixteenth notes at the beginning of the first movement as two-note slurs? I think it's an interesting choice, but I'm not totally convinced. What are your thoughts?
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