Haydn - Piano Sonatas Volume 1 Book

Piano / Associate / List A

• Sonata (Divertimento) in Ab major Hob XVI:46
• Sonata in E minor Hob XVI:34

Piano / Certificate of Performance / List B

• Sonata in D major Hob XVI:19
• Sonata in D major Hob XVI:37
• Sonata in G minor Hob XVI:44

Piano / Grade 6 / List B

• Scherzando - Allegro con brio 2nd movement from Sonata in C sharp minor Hob XVI:36

Piano / Grade 7 / List B

• Moderato 1st movement from Sonata in C sharp minor Hob XVI:36

Piano / Grade 8 / List B

• Sonata in G [complete] Hob XVI:40

Piano / Licentiate / List A

• Sonata in Eb major Hob XVI:52

Who Was Franz Joseph Haydn?

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period, often referred to as the "Father of the Symphony" and the "Father of the String Quartet" due to his pivotal role in the development of these forms. Haydn's contributions to musical composition have earned him a place as one of the most celebrated and influential composers in Western history.

Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria, and showed an early talent for music. As a young boy, he joined the choir of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he received his initial musical training. He spent much of his career as the court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family, which provided him with financial security and the freedom to compose prolifically.

Haydn's music was instrumental in the development of the Classical style, characterised by structural clarity, balanced proportions, and a focus on melody and harmonic development. His works served as a model for later composers, including Mozart and Beethoven.

Among his most famous works are 104 symphonies, string quartets, piano sonatas, and the oratorios "The Creation" and "The Seasons." His compositions are often marked by a sense of humour and wit, as well as a mastery of form and orchestration. Haydn was an innovative composer who expanded the symphonic form and the string quartet, enriching them with his broad emotional range, from the playful to the profound.

While Haydn was esteemed during his lifetime and remains highly regarded today, his influence extends far beyond his compositions. He is credited with establishing the format and structure of the four-movement classical symphony and string quartet, setting the stage for the further evolution of these genres in the hands of later composers.