Haydn

Haydn: Lifetime & Era

1732–1809; Classical Era

Emperor Quartet: Full Name & Opus

String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3

Emperor Quartet: Genre & Performing Forces

String Quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)

Emperor Quartet: Prescribed Movement

2nd Movement

2nd Movement: Key, Tempo, Meter

G Major; Poco adagio, cantabile; 2/2

2nd Movement: Overall Form

Theme and Variations (4 variations)

2nd Movement: Theme Structure

Symmetrical 20-bar phrase; AABCC structure

2nd Movement: Unique Feature of the Theme

The "Emperor's Hymn" theme is not altered, only the harmonization is changed.

2nd Movement: Theme Presentation

Violin 1 plays theme; simple homophonic texture

2nd Movement: Variation 1 Features

Violin 2 plays theme; Violin 1 plays active 16th-note countermelody (duet texture)

2nd Movement: Variation 2 Features

Cello plays theme; Violin 1 adds syncopated off-beat figures

2nd Movement: Variation 3 Features

Viola plays theme; chromaticism introduced; contrapuntal texture

2nd Movement: Variation 4 Features

Violin 1 plays theme an octave higher; thickest 4-voice texture; ends with a soft coda (G Major)

Haydn: Key Biographical Facts

Born in Rohrau, Austria; court composer for the wealthy Esterházy family for 30+ years

Haydn: Major Musical Contributions

"Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" (developed 4-movement classical structures)

Haydn: Primary Genres

Symphonies, string quartets, keyboard sonatas, oratorios, masses

Haydn: Major Oratorio

The Creation

Haydn: Associated Titles

"Father of the Symphony", "Father of the String Quartet"

Haydn: Musical Style - Phrasing

Symmetrical, balanced 4-bar phrases; clear cadences

Haydn: Musical Style - Traits

Monothematic sonata forms, unexpected dynamic shifts, folk elements, wit

Term: String Quartet

Chamber music ensemble of 2 violins, viola, and cello

Term: Theme and Variations

Form where a main theme is stated then altered through harmony, rhythm, or texture

Term: Chamber Music

Music for a small ensemble with one performer per part, without a conductor

Term: Emperor's Hymn

National anthem composed by Haydn used as the theme for Op. 76, No. 3