Music commentary Volume 2
1. Haydn Adagio and Cantabile Hob.III: 20; Op.9 No.2 E-flat major 3rd movement
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) A major composer representing the Austrian classical school. He composed numerous symphonies and string quartets. Born in the village of Rohrau, Grand Duchy of Lower Austria, he was taught music by his uncle from the age of six. At the age of eight he joined the choir of St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna and worked for nine years. After his voice change, he was a church singer, played the violin and organ, and composed his first string quartet in 1755 without a regular job. In 1757 he assumed the position of court chapel master of Count Morzin in Bohemia. Here his first symphony No. 1 was composed. He was forced out of his position due to the financial hardships of Count Morzin, and in 1761 he was appointed as Deputy Conductor of the Esterhazy family, one of the leading aristocrats of western Hungary. In 1766, the capelmaster Werner died and he was promoted to capelmaster. This string quartet No. 20 was composed in 1769 at that time. "Adagio and Cantabile" is the third movement of the four movements. The original tonality of this movement is in C minor, but it was transposed suitable for flute in D minor. It's a song full of romanticism that seems like a romantic work |
