Joseph Haydn

Life and music

Joseph Haydn was born in Rohrau in 1732 and died in Vienna in 1809. He served the Esterházy musical establishment for much of his career, first as deputy music director and later with wider responsibility. His English visits brought a powerful encounter with Handel's music, which encouraged his work in oratorio. His instrumental output also ranged widely, including keyboard music, string quartets and symphonies.

Explore one sonata movement at a time. Compare the second movement of Hob.XVI:27 with the openings of Hob.XVI:34 and Hob.XVI:20. These contrasting destinations reveal different musical arguments; one movement is not the complete parent sonata.

Sources

• imslp.org/Category:Haydn,_Joseph
• imslp.org/List_of_works_by_Joseph_Hayd
• haydnhaus.at
• bmlo.lmu.de

Where to start

1. 1Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:27, movement IILevel 5, estimatedWith Maestro
2. 2Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob. XVI:34, ILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
3. 3Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI:20, movement ILevel 8, estimatedWith Maestro

More pieces in the Music Room

Sonata journeys

• Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:27, movement ILevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro
• Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:27, movement IIILevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro
• Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:28, movement ILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
• Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:28, movement IILevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro
• Piano Sonata Hob. XVI:28, movement IIILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
• Piano Sonata in G major, Hob. XVI:8Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro

More pieces

• Hob.I:100 third-movement Minuet, piano settingLevel 4, estimatedWith Maestro
• Hob.IX:22 No. 3 Tedesca, piano presentationLevel 3, estimatedWith Maestro
• Hob.IX:8 No. 6 Minuet, piano presentationLevel 3, estimatedWith Maestro