March

Studio News

March, 2007 --

Welcome to Studio News for March. This month, the spotlight is on Joseph Haydn. Haydn, an Austrian and one of the most influential composers of the Classical Period, is often called the “Father of the String Quartet” and “The Father of the Symphony”. Besides his many compositions for ensemble, Haydn wrote delightful pieces for pianoforte.

The Evolution of Western Instrumental Music

The style of music, with which we are familiar in Western societies, has not long been in this form. Music is constantly evolving, since it represents the technology, culture and beliefs of society in the moment.

	Pre 400 AD: Early musicians probably used simple woodwind and plucked string instruments. In some societies, it was believed that the gods inspired music. Music and instruments were also thought to create different moods, and so were chosen to sooth when relaxing or to encourage a warrior spirit before battle. Single note melodies were played for ceremonies, dramas and other important occasions.
	400-1450: During the Middle Ages, music became increasingly more structured and complex. Until around 800, instrumental music was monophonic – a single melody line. After this, two or more different melody lines were played at the same time – it was polyphonic. Music was often used to accompany single voice lines or poems.
	1450-1600: The Renaissance was a period of fast cultural development in Europe. Composers in this time experimented with new combinations of tone and rhythm. This was the beginning of counterpoint – different instruments imitated the first, with slight variations in melody, creating harmonies.
	1600-1750: The Baroque Period brought counterpoint into an elaborate and expressive musical form. At this time, the modern system of Well Tempering was invented – the allocation of pitch as the 12 half steps that are used on the keyboard. Italy led the way in music of this era. Important composers of the period include Bach, Handel, Montverdi, Lully and Purcell.
	1750-1820: During this era, the middle class had increasing access to written music and instruments. Music became a more popular form of entertainment. The lighter music, written simply for public enjoyment, became the Classical Style. It sought balance and expression of ideas and experiences. Well-known composers of this time include Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.
	1820-1900: Composers of the Romantic Period believed music should express the deepest of emotions and imaginations. Shorter, pleasing forms were created – such as the German Leider and character pieces. The piano underwent rapid invention and the symphony orchestra was at its highest point. Famous composers of this time include Schubert, Schumann, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Liszt and Chopin.
	1850-1900: Some composers sought to express the character of the people of their own countries – Nationalism. Among these composers were Grieg (Norway), Mussorgsky, Rinsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky (all from Russia), and Smetana and Dvorak (from Czechoslovakia). Some of Chopin’s pieces show how much he missed his homeland, Poland. Impressionism was one of the significant art movements through the 1900s. Non-traditional harmonies, structures and ideas were included in composition. The movement originated with artists and poets in France. Debussy was one of the first to include such forms of imagery in his music. Serialism, another 20th century style, used all 12 notes (all half steps), with no distinction of key and tone. Music of the modern era has its roots in many of the earlier styles.

Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn was born in Austria on 31^st March, 1732. His family knew little about music, although the family often sang together for fun - his father liked folk music and had taught himself the harp. His parents were not well off, but Haydn’s musical talent was evident. Before he was 6, they sent Haydn away to be apprenticed in music.

As a young apprentice, Haydn was poorly treated, hungry and badly clothed. However, he did learn to sing, play violin and play harpsichord. He began performing with the church choir and was well liked.

At 17 years of age, Haydn’s voice had broken and he was no longer able to sing with the youth choir. He was thrown out onto the streets with nowhere to go, no food or possessions. Haydn turned to music as a means of self-support, as a freelance performer and teacher. To improve his skills, he taught himself keyboard technique and composition. He was an excellent teacher, and his name became known as teacher and performer. Eventually, he came to the attention of an aristocrat, Countess Thun, and received financial support that allowed him to work seriously as a composer.

In 1759, Haydn was appointed as music director for Count Morzin, conducting and playing with the count’s ensembles and composing symphonies and operas. For the first time in his life, he had financial and occupational security. In this position, he was increasingly popular, produced many works of many styles, and married.

In 1781, Haydn made friends with the young Mozart and helped him learn composition. Haydn also influenced Beethoven, working as his teacher for some time.

Haydn made several visits to London between 1790 and 1800, a period during which he composed some of his best known works – the Surprise, Drum roll, Military and London Symphonies. Throughout his life, Haydn wrote a massive number of works for many different instrument and voice combinations. He might have been the most productive and versatile Classical composer. He developed several new musical forms, including the Sonata, and wrote the first lengthy orchestral symphonies.

Haydn was a kind, witty and resilient person who was well liked by many. He was often engaged in pulling off practical jokes and enjoyed laughter. Many of his compositions show this innocent, playful personality. They are delightful – although he also wrote serious oratorios.

Haydn died of a long-term illness in May of 1809, his good nature showing to the end. He died during an attack on Vienna by Napoleon’s army. Among his final words, it is recorded that he was reassuring his attendants when a cannon ball fell on the neighbourhood.

Annah-Valerie Hyrst (teacher)

Individual Dynamics

Rouse Hill, NSW

Studio News

Last modified: January 16, 2008