Introduction
editThe Symphony No. 20 in C major (Hoboken I/20) is a festive[1] symphony by Joseph Haydn. Some sources places the composition date in either 1761 or 1762[2] while others states that it was likely composed before 1761.[3]
Scored for 2 oboes, bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings and continuo.[4] The symphony is in four movements:
- Allegro molto, 2/4
- Andante cantabile, 2/2 in G majors
- Minuetto (C major) & Trio, F major 3/4
- Presto, 3/8
History
editHaydn composed this symphony in the earlier part of his musical career. This symphony was written around the time he gained the position of Vice-Kapellmeister by Count Morzin, so Haydn was beginning his first secure and consistent job. This period was before he began consistently and orderly dating his music, so the exact year of Symphony no. 20's composition is not known. [5] The symphony was likely composed in a very short amount of time, as a tremendous amount of output was expected of him by the Court.[6]
Movements
editEstimated time is 20 minutes. [7]
First movement: Allegro molto
editThe symphony begins with the full instrumentation playing forte. The melody in the first violins starts with an octave leap. This large leap provides a very recognizable statement that is used to signify the beginnings of each section within the movement. A large leap with the same rhythmic value of the opening appears after the first repeat, at the start of the development, and when the recapitulation begins.
The piece remains in the key of C major or the Dominant key of C, G major, for the majority of the movement. Briefly during the exposition, in measures 44 through 53, the key of G is made minor. The development section begins in the key of D minor. Several other keys are tonicized (C, D minor, A minor, C, C minor) before the recapitulation begins with the open C major material.
Second movement: Andante cantabile
editThe second movement is only scored for strings, and is in the key of G major, the Dominant of the overall key structure. Pizzicato is used throughout the movement in the violas and lower strings.The scoring of this movement resembles a string quartet. Two large repeat sections form the structure of the movement. The first repeat section ends in D major. The second section ends in G major, the home key of the movement.
Third movement: Minuetto & Trio
editThe key returns to C major in the third movement. The winds and timpani return to the instrumentation. In the trio section, the key is moved to F major. This is a very short movement, consisting of only 30 measures in the Minuetto and 24 measures in the Trio section.
Fourth movement: Presto
editThe last movement follows a rondo form, with the theme repeating itself 4 times. The middle of the movement has a section in C minor, with sudden loud triple stops in the violins contrasting the dynamic marking piano. The full ensemble and quadruple stops in the violins land the final C major chords of the symphony. Fast phrases such as the 64th note runs in the violins add to the presto feel of the movement.
External Links
editSymphony No. 20 from the International Petrucci Music Library
Performance recording by The Academy of Ancient Music, conducted by Christopher Hogwood.
References
edit- ^ Antony Hodgson, The Music of Joseph Haydn: The Symphonies. London: The Tantivy Press (1976): 57.
- ^ (Hodgson, 1976): 202.
- ^ A. Peter Brown, The first golden age of the Viennese symphony: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, p. 47. Indiana University Press, 2002. ISBN 0-253-33487-X, 9780253334879
- ^ H. C. Robbins Landon, The Symphonies of Joseph Haydn. London: Universal Edition & Rockliff (1955): 645. "2 ob., 2 cor. (C, prob. alto), 2 clarini (trpt.), timp. str. [ fag., cemb. ]."
- ^ Jones, David Wyn (1988). Haydn His Life and Music. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-253-37265-8.
- ^ Hughes, Rosemary (1950). Haydn. London: J.M. Dent and Sons. p. 33.
- ^ Complete Score, H.C.R. Landon