| Haydn worked for 30 years for the Esterházy family, and was obliged to remain with them at all times, even when they travelled. He even had to wear livery! For most of this time everything he wrote was, by the terms of his contract, the property of the Esterházy family. However, in 1779 he renegotiated his contract and was finally able to accept commissions from outside, and even more significant, in 1790 he was allowed to travel on his own. The “Paris” symphonies and the “London” symphonies were the fruits of this late-life liberation, and they reflected the awe and respect due to Haydn by the international musical establishment. They were commissioned by and played for his admirers in these cities, to which he was now allowed to travel, to huge acclaim wherever he went.
Readings from Charles Dickens shed light on the differences between those cities, at least in Dickens’ eyes, and highlight the music.
Of course, as you know, all these Symphonies were published as string quartets contemporaneously. The arrangements were either by Haydn personally or overseen by him.
All this in the fabulous wooden acoustic of the Hillside Swedenborgian Church in El Cerrito. Great view, and there will, of course, be snax as usual.
Note that the Sunday concert is at 5 (the others are at 6.30).
Concert # 1: Symphonies in Eb, #84 (Paris) & 99 (London)
Wednesday, August 30, 6:30pm Buy Tickets here – $25 (or at the door)
Concert # 2: Symphonies in Bb, #102 (London) & 85 (Paris)
Friday, September 1, 6:30pm Buy Tickets here – $25 (or at the door)
Concert # 3: Symphonies in D, #86 (Paris) & 104 (“The London Symphony”)
Sunday, September 3, 5pm Buy Tickets here – $25 (or at the door)
Special price for all 3 concerts Buy Tickets here – $50 (or at the door) |
