For practically 30 years, starting in 1761, Franz Joseph Haydn was employed as kapellmeister on the Esterházy courtroom. Now dubbed the “father of the symphony” in addition to the string quartet, the progressive Haydn labored within the splendid isolation of the Austrian aristocratic palace. In 1779, he renegotiated his contract to permit for the sale of his music to outdoors patrons. Widespread fame and prestigious worldwide commissions ensued.
In 1784, Haydn obtained a fee from French nobleman Comte d’Ogny to write down six “grand symphonies” for the newly established public live performance collection Paris Concert events de la Loge Olympique. The orchestra on the composer’s disposal included a few of Europe’s finest musicians. Whereas the superb Esterházy courtroom orchestra averaged 22 musicians, together with a 15-piece string part, “the Paris orchestra had greater than 40 violins, ten contrabasses and 4 instances the variety of wind devices.” (joseph-haydn.art)
Describing the six “Paris” Symphonies (Nos. 82-87), commentator Charles Rosen wrote, “There’s not a measure, even probably the most critical, of those nice works which isn’t marked by Haydn’s wit; and his wit has now grown so highly effective and so environment friendly that it has grow to be a kind of ardour, a power without delay omnivorous and artistic.”
Numerically the final of the set, Symphony No. 87 in A Main was the primary of the “Paris” symphonies to be composed. It’s shiny, exhilarating, and festive music stuffed with drama, humor and shock. The primary motion (Vivace) bursts forth with exuberance at full velocity and not using a gradual introduction. A whirlwind of conversing instrumental voices, the adventurous improvement part arrives at a cadence in distant G-sharp main, adopted by a protracted, mysterious pause.
Shifting to D main, the second motion (Adagio) begins with a serene and majestic theme. The solo flute and oboe have interaction in an prolonged musical dialogue, with the bassoon becoming a member of in sometimes. It’s a digital Sinfonia concertante.
The third motion (Minuet) will not be as a lot a stately dance as a show of virtuosity wherein the woodwind devices take middle stage. Within the trio part, the solo oboe rises to a excessive “E.”
Unfolding in sonata type primarily based on a single theme, the Finale (Vivace) prices ahead at exhilarating breakneck velocity, bringing the Symphony to a sunny and joyful conclusion.
This efficiency, recorded on Might 19, 2019, options Kammerorchester Basel, led by conductor Giovanni Antonini:
Featured Picture: “A View of Paris from the Pont Neuf” (1763), Nicolas-Jean-Baptiste Raguenet
