Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1800

Average_duration

:

2:26

"Fee him, father" (H. 31a/156) is a sacred choral work composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1784. The piece was written for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which is celebrated on December 28th. The premiere of the work took place in the chapel of the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a recitative for bass soloist, which sets the scene for the piece. The second movement is a chorus, which features the full choir and orchestra. The third movement is a soprano aria, which is accompanied by a solo violin. The text of the piece is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, and tells the story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus. The title of the piece, "Fee him, father," refers to the words spoken by the Holy Innocents' fathers as they begged Herod to spare their sons. The first movement begins with a somber and mournful recitative, which sets the tone for the piece. The bass soloist sings of the tragedy that has befallen the Holy Innocents, and the sorrow of their fathers. The second movement is a chorus, which features the full choir and orchestra. The music is dramatic and intense, with the choir singing of the horror of Herod's order and the grief of the mothers who have lost their children. The third movement is a soprano aria, which is accompanied by a solo violin. The music is more peaceful and reflective, with the soprano singing of the hope that the Holy Innocents are now in heaven, free from the suffering of this world. Overall, "Fee him, father" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece is notable for its use of dramatic contrasts, from the mournful recitative to the intense chorus to the peaceful aria. It is a fitting tribute to the Holy Innocents, and a reminder of the tragedy that befell them.

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