Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Divertimento

Compose Date

:

1775

Average_duration

:

16:17

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Divertimento for baryton, 2 violins, viola, cello, bass & 2 horns in A minor/A major, H. 10/3' was composed in the year 1763. The piece was premiered in the same year in the court of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, where Haydn was employed as a court musician. The 'Divertimento' is divided into six movements, with the first and last movements in A minor and the middle four movements in A major. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, is in sonata form and features a lively and energetic theme. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slow and lyrical piece with a beautiful melody played by the baryton, a stringed instrument similar to the viola da gamba. The third movement, marked Menuetto, is a dance-like movement in triple meter, featuring a playful and light-hearted melody. The fourth movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and expressive piece with a mournful melody played by the baryton. The fifth movement, marked Menuetto, is similar to the third movement, with a lively and upbeat melody. The final movement, marked Presto, is a fast and energetic piece with a lively and playful theme. The 'Divertimento' is characterized by its use of the baryton, which is featured prominently throughout the piece. The baryton is a unique instrument that was popular in the 18th century, but has since fallen out of use. It has a set of wire strings that are played with a bow, as well as a set of sympathetic strings that vibrate in response to the played strings. This gives the instrument a rich and resonant sound that is well-suited to the expressive melodies of the 'Divertimento'. Overall, the 'Divertimento for baryton, 2 violins, viola, cello, bass & 2 horns in A minor/A major, H. 10/3' is a charming and delightful piece of music that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer. Its use of the baryton and its lively and playful melodies make it a joy to listen to, even over 250 years after it was first composed.

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