Adem Merter Birson, Musicologist and Music Theorist, talks about Haydn's Opus 20 Quartets, the influence of dakapo arias on Haydn's early piano sonatas, the connection between CPE Bach and Haydn, understanding sonata form and sonata style, Haydn's influence on Beethoven's Mass, the role of schemas in music, exploring classical Turkish music, and Professor Bursen's upcoming projects.
Haydn's Opus 9, Opus 17, and Opus 20 quartets marked his emergence as the 'father of the string quartet' and are praised for their musical detail and craftsmanship.
Haydn's music was influenced by his early exposure to Italian opera, reflected in his use of melodic shapes, harmonies, expressive techniques, and schema, elevating his works to new levels of musical expression.
Despite his reputation for humor and lightness, Haydn's compositions showcase musical innovation, mastery of counterpoint, and his ability to infuse his music with humor and charm while maintaining musical sophistication.
Deep dives
Haydn's Early Training and Love for Heavy Metal Music
Haydn began his musical journey as a heavy metal musician, playing bass in bands like Hulk Blood. However, his passion for heavy metal gave way to a more academic interest in music. He studied musicology and music theory at Queens College, where a lecture on Haydn's string quartet in F minor sparked his fascination with Haydn's music. The interaction between the musicians and the form and harmony of the composition deeply moved him, leading to a lifelong admiration for Haydn and his works.
The Significance of Haydn's Opus 9, Opus 17, and Opus 20 Quartets
Haydn's Opus 9, Opus 17, and Opus 20 quartets are a subject of debate among scholars regarding their importance. These quartets, composed between 1769 and 1772, represent Haydn's return to the genre after a gap of about 15 years. They are known for their innovative features such as the inclusion of fugues as the fourth movement. Some argue that they marked Haydn's emergence as the 'father of the string quartet,' while others contend that his earlier quartets, Opus 1 and Opus 2, are equally significant. Regardless, the Opus 9, Opus 17, and Opus 20 quartets are praised for their musical detail and craftsmanship.
The Influence of Italian Style and Partimento on Haydn's Music
Haydn's early training in music and exposure to Italian opera, specifically the works of Baldassare Galupi, played a significant role in shaping his musical compositions. Italian influence can be observed in Haydn's use of melodic shapes, harmonies, and expressive techniques. Additionally, Haydn's utilization of schema, a type of melodic pattern prevalent in Italian music, also reflects the influence of Italian style on his compositions. While Haydn taught composition using traditional methods like species counterpoint, evidence suggests that his music was imbued with elements of Neapolitan counterpoint, which elevated his works to new levels of musical expression.
Haydn's Genius: Capturing the Essence Through Music
Haydn's music is known for its power to express his soul and personality. Whether composing masses, symphonies, or piano sonatas, Haydn always took into consideration the performers and the audience, crafting music that resonated with them. His ability to capture the essence of the Enlightenment period in Vienna contributed to his immense popularity across social classes and musical styles. A prime example of Haydn's genius can be found in his Opus 50 String Quartet No. 1, where a pulsing quarter note becomes the lifeblood of the entire piece, showcasing his ingenuity and ability to create engaging and dramatic music.
Haydn's Humor and Musical Innovation
While Haydn's music is often associated with humor and lightness, it is important to recognize his depth and musical innovation. His compositions showcase a mastery of counterpoint, incorporating fugues into his string quartets, and revealing his expertise in complex musical forms. One prominent example is the Joke Quartet, Opus 33 No. 2, where the piece's ending playfully teases the listener by prolonging the final movement and leaving them in suspense. Haydn's ability to infuse his music with humor and charm while maintaining musical sophistication was a testament to his vision as a composer.
My guest today is Musicologist and Music Theorist, Professor Adem Merter Birson! He is an adjunct assistant professor of music at Hofstra University. His primary research deals with the relationship between chromaticism and form in the string quartets of Joseph Haydn. We will talk about Haydn, partimento, sonata form and even get a little into some classical Turkish music.
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