Joseph Haydn:

1
CHAPTER 46

• Joseph Haydn
• Late Symphonies and Vocal Music

2

• In 1779 Haydn signed a new contract with Nikolaus
  Esterházy which freed the composer from his prior
  obligation to compose solely for the prince.
  Consequently, he began to sell his music to
  publishers in major European cities. Alongside
  handsome fees, his growing fame brought him
  remunerative commissions.

3
The Paris Symphonies

• This set of six symphonies by Haydn (Nos. 82-87)
  was commissioned in 1785 by the amateur orchestra
  of the Loge Olympique, a Freemason society in
  Paris. Perhaps because this Parisian ensemble
  was three times the size that of the Esterházy's
  orchestra, the Paris Symphonies are characterized
  by dramatic orchestral effects, such as stark
  contrasts in dynamics and textures.

4

• The Paris Symphonies were to be performed in a
  large public concert hall rather than a private
  salon. This may account for the folksy,
  uncomplicated nature of many of the themes.

5
The London Symphonies

• In 1791, the year following the death of his
  long-time patron Nikolaus Esterházy, Haydn was
  engaged to compose a set of twelve symphonies,
  now called the London Symphonies, to be performed
  in London. He did so between the years 1791 and
  1795. Thanks to his activities in London, Haydn
  achieved financial security for life.
• "Surprise" Symphony (No. 94) one of Haydn's most
  popular London Symphonies, it was premiered in
  1792. Both the name and fame of the symphony come
  from its second movement, designedaccording to
  Haydn himself"to surprise the public" or even
  shock the sleepers.

6
Vocal Music

• Haydn had first studied the music and liturgy of
  the Catholic Church as a choirboy at the
  Cathedral of St. Stephen during the 1740s. Like
  Mozart and Beethoven, he turned to sacred music
  late in his life.
• Masses In 1795, Haydn was commissioned to
  compose a new polyphonic Mass every year for
  Maria Esterházy, wife of the prince. The six
  Masses that resulted are large-scale works
  requiring full orchestra and chorus with
  soloists.
• Oratorios inspired by the performances of
  Handel's oratorios in London, Haydn wrote two
  oratorios, The Creation and The Seasons.

7
The Creation

• Composed between 1796 and 1798, this oratorio
  recounts the story of the creation of the world
  as told in the Book of Genesis. Each of the
  three parts of The Creation ends with a rousing
  chorus, in which the multitudes proclaim the
  glory of God.

8

• Because of his declining health, Haydn's
  productivity diminished and finally ended in
  1803. Haydn died in 1809, little over a year
  after his farewell concert in which Antonio
  Salieri conducted The Creation.