Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1804

Average_duration

:

3:28

Ffarwel Ffranses, H. 31b/13 is a choral work composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1795. The piece was written as a tribute to the French queen, Marie Antoinette, who was executed during the French Revolution. The title, Ffarwel Ffranses, is Welsh for "Farewell, Frenchwoman." The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and mournful adagio, which sets the tone for the piece. The second movement is a lively allegro, which represents the queen's life and vitality. The final movement is a slow and solemn adagio, which represents the queen's death and the end of her reign. The piece is scored for four-part choir and orchestra. The choir sings in Welsh, which was a nod to the queen's Welsh ancestry. The orchestra includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and timpani. The piece is characterized by its emotional depth and solemnity. Haydn's use of minor keys and slow tempos creates a mournful atmosphere that reflects the tragedy of the queen's death. The piece also features Haydn's signature use of counterpoint, which adds complexity and depth to the music. Ffarwel Ffranses premiered in Vienna in 1795, and it was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The piece has since become a staple of choral repertoire, and it is often performed as a tribute to Marie Antoinette and the victims of the French Revolution.

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