Classical Music: Symphony No. 41 and Enlightenment

Study Notes

Symphony No. 41 in C Major

Represents Viennese classical ideals from 1770.
Key characteristics include balance, variety, structural integrity, imagination, wit, and rich sonority.

The Enlightenment and Music

Emphasized humanism, pursuit of happiness, and cosmopolitanism.
Fostered musical consumerism and music as a form of entertainment.

The First Concert Hall

Established in Oxford, England in 1748.
Public support for composers increased, shifting reliance from patrons.
Instrumental music became predominant, marking the concert hall as a key venue for musical life.

Rhythm

Dynamic and frequently changing, avoiding monotony.
Features a two-part theme nature with contrasting measures and rhythms.

Dynamics

Highly variable with notable contrasts compared to Baroque styles.
Use of terraced dynamics along with gradual changes, including crescendos and decrescendos.

Tone Color

Significant expansion of orchestras, with instruments taking on distinct character roles.
Increase in brass instruments; percussion instrumentation remained similar to the Baroque period.
Harpsichord replaced by fortepiano which offered a brighter sound; continuo gradually fell out of use.

Melody

Melodies were catchy and memorable, yet complex to transcribe.
Vienna's style is characterized by its radiance and appeal.

Form

Utilizes repetition, cadence, and transitional passages to create thematic links.

Franz Joseph Haydn

Lived from 1732 to 1809, pivotal figure in classical music.

Rohrau, Austria

Birthplace of Haydn, significant for his musical development.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Venue where Haydn began his music education at the age of six.

Miss Rorate Coeli Desuper

Haydn's first composition, created in 1748.

String Quartet Series

Haydn initiated his series of string quartets between 1750 and 1757.

String Quartet No. 1

Composed in 1757 for Baron von Furnberg; Haydn played the viola, enhancing his string writing skills.

Marriage

Haydn had an unhappy marriage, with his wife dying in 1800; he had numerous affairs throughout his life.

Haydn's Symphony No. 1

Initially served Count von Morzin; likely composed in 1757.

Eszterházy Appointment

Supported by the Esterházy family, with the palaces named Eszterháza being key to Haydn's career.

Haydn's Output Before 1790

Composed 90 symphonies, 14 operas, 7 masses, and over 50 string quartets, piano sonatas, and trios, along with numerous divertimentos and chamber works.

Haydn's Operas

Recognized as one of the best composers, overshadowed by Mozart; works like "Non partir, ma bella face" and "Orlando Paladino" remain lesser-known.

International Fame

Haydn was largely unaware of his rising fame until the 1780s, leading to significant commissions and invitations to England.

1790: The End of an Era

Marked by the death of Nikolaus Esterházy and the rise of Paul Esterházy; allowed Haydn more freedom and continued financial support.

Johann Peter Salomon

Key figure in bringing Haydn to London (1792-93) where he composed multiple symphonies.

The London Symphonies

Known as Salomon symphonies; includes notable pieces:
- Symphony 94: "Surprise"
- Symphony 96: "Miracle"
- Symphony 100: "Military"
- Symphony 101: "Clock"
- Symphony 103: "Drumroll"
- Symphony 104: "London"

1796 - Back Home, Haydn

Focused on late works: Masses, oratorios "The Creation" and "The Seasons," and late string quartets.

Haydn's Last Years

Experienced increased physical fragility but maintained mental sharpness, continuing to compose until late 1805.

Haydn's Last Public Appearance

Celebrated his 75th birthday on March 27, 1808, in a performance of "The Creation," attended by notable figures including the Esterházy family, royal family, and prominent musicians from Vienna.

Description

Explore the key elements of Symphony No. 41 in C Major and its connection to the Enlightenment era. This quiz covers significant themes such as the evolution of the concert hall, rhythm, dynamics, and tone color in classical music. Test your knowledge of how these factors shaped musical life in the 18th century.

Classical Music: Symphony No. 41 and Enlightenment

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Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of Symphony No. 41 in C major? (Select all that apply)

Which of the following concepts were associated with the Enlightenment and music? (Select all that apply)

Where was the first concert hall located?

What happens to rhythm in the Viennese classical era?

Haydn's dates are _____ to _____

What was the birthplace of Haydn?

At what age did Haydn go to school at St. Stephen's Cathedral?

What was Haydn's first composition?

What characterizes Haydn's output before 1790? (Select all that apply)

Haydn was fully aware of his growing reputation during the 1780s.

What was the name of the family that supported Haydn?

What are the names of three of the London Symphonies? (Select all that apply)

When did Haydn make his last public appearance?