HAYDN, HAYDN, HAYDN

Slovak State Philharmonic Košice
Peter BREINER, conductor, piano and harpsichord

Programme:

Joseph Haydn: The Deserted Island (L'isola disabitata), Overture, Hob.XXVIII:9 (8´)
Joseph Haydn: Piano Concerto No.11 in D major, Hob. XVIII:11 (24´)

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Joseph Haydn: Divertimento in C major, Hob. II:11 (12´)
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 75 in D major, Hob. I:75 (22´)

Haydn's tenth opera is entitled L'isola disabitata (The Deserted Island) and is very often performed separately, especially its overture, which is sometimes compared to a miniature symphony and is a great example of Haydn's distinctive orchestral style. The music contains a number of themes set in rich and colourful orchestration.

The Piano Concerto No. 11 in D major is Haydn's finest and most frequently performed instrumental work. It makes a pleasing impression, in its melodic invention and treatment, especially the spirited Rondo all'Ungarese with its constantly repeated and varied main theme, to which is added a characteristic Hungarian motif with an accent.

Haydn's Divertimento in C major, also known as Der Geburtstag(The Birthday), was composed in 1765 for a separate ensemble of flute, oboe, two violins and basso continuo without violas. The specific instrumentation with solo wind and string instruments is characteristic of the early form of the Divertimento. The work contains four movements: a lively Presto, a lyrical Andante, a Menuetto with a trio in contrasting keys, and a finale , Thema con variazioni. The piece follows the typical multi-movement structure of the divertimento with contrasting tempi and moods.

Symphony No. 75 in D major dates from the period 1779-1781. It has a slow introduction that clearly evokes the introductions of Haydn's London Symphonies, while the second slow movement tends towards Haydn's later, mature expression. In the third movement Haydn combines courtly elegance with the pastoral lyricism of the countryside. The minuet brings a graceful melodicism and is accentuated by the elegant character of the trio section. The finale has the rondo structure that Haydn favoured and refined in his later symphonies. The quiet opening, dramatic contrasts and playful mood of the whole movement are typical of Haydn's refined compositional language.