Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1781

Average_duration

:

1:58

'Jeder meint, der Gegenstand' (Everyone thinks the object) is a vocal quartet composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1794. The piece was premiered in Vienna on March 23, 1794, at the Palais Schwarzenberg. The quartet is part of a collection of six vocal quartets, known as the 'Schottische Lieder' (Scottish Songs), which were commissioned by the Scottish folksong collector George Thomson. The quartet is written for four voices, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, and is set to a German text by Johann Baptist von Alxinger. The piece is in three movements, with a total duration of approximately six minutes. The first movement is marked 'Allegro', and it is characterized by a lively and playful melody. The second movement is marked 'Adagio', and it is a slow and expressive piece, with a melancholic melody. The final movement is marked 'Presto', and it is a fast and energetic piece, with a lively and rhythmic melody. The quartet is a prime example of Haydn's mastery of vocal writing. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and intricate vocal harmonies, while still maintaining a sense of clarity and simplicity. The quartet is also notable for its use of humor and irony, which are characteristic of Haydn's style. The text of the quartet is a satirical commentary on the human tendency to assign meaning and significance to objects, even when they are meaningless or insignificant. Overall, 'Jeder meint, der Gegenstand' is a charming and delightful piece of music, which showcases Haydn's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and entertaining. The quartet remains a popular piece in the vocal repertoire, and it is frequently performed and recorded by vocal ensembles around the world.

More....