Chapter 13: Classical Composers: Haydn and Mozart
Vienna: Home to Classical Composers Viennese School: Classical style epitomized by composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert; “Viennese Classical Style” Capital of the Old Holy Roman Empire Fourth largest city in Europe Cosmopolitan center Attracted musicians from throughout Europe Aristocratic patrons Public concerts Amateur performers
Franz Joseph Haydn ( ) First of the great composers to move to Vienna Serves as a choirboy and studied composition, violin, and keyboard at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna 1750’s: Worked as a freelance musician
Haydn 1761: Engaged as music director for the court of Hungarian Prince Nikolaus Esterházy – Worked there for nearly thirty years ( ) – Conducted the prince’s personal orchestra – Composed music ordered by the prince – Unauthorized copies of his music made its was to Vienna and other foreign capitals
Haydn London tours – Two trips: & – Composed set of 12 symphonies known as the “London Symphonies” Influential creator of the mature Classical style 106 Symphonies, 70 string quartets, operas, 52 piano sonatas, 14 Masses, 2 oratorios
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ( ) Born in Salzburg, Austria to a musical family Displayed extraordinary talent at on early age – Most famous child prodigy in history Toured throughout Europe – Exposure to a wealth of musical styles 1770’s: Court musician in Salzburg : Free-lance musician in Vienna – Peak of success: – Final years plagued by ill health and financial difficulties
Mozart Possibly the greatest musical genius the world has ever known Compositions display diversity, breadth of expression, and perfect formal control that is only matched by the works of J.S. Bach