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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
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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 (1732-1809) • 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 (1761-1790) • 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: 1791-1792 & 1794-1785 • 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 (1756-1791) • 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 • 1781-1791: Free-lance musician in Vienna • Peak of success: 1785-1787 • 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