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Franz Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809
by Scott Gilbreath ~ May 31st, 2009
One of the greatest and most influential classical composers died in Vienna 200 years ago today. Among his many achievements, Franz Joseph Haydn was the first to compose four-part music for two violins, a viola and a cello on a regular basis, making him the “Father of the String Quartet”. He was also a key contributor to the development of three other now-standard classical forms: the piano trio, the sonata, and the symphony.
In his honour, here is the second movement of Haydn’s “Emperor” Quartet, Op. 76, no. 3.
The tune was adapted from his popular patriotic song, “Gott, erhalte Franz, den Kaiser” (”God save Emperor Franz”), and was later used for Germany’s national anthem “Das Deutschlandleid”. Many Christians recognise it as the music for John Newton’s inspiring hymn “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”.
Another Haydn string quartet previously blogged here is “The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross”, Op. 51.
AllMusic Blog has posted a Haydn tribute with a list of recommended recorded performances of his works.
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